[♪♪♪] >> GOOD EVENING AND WELCOME TO "CHICAGO TONIGHT."

I'M BRANDIS FRIEDMAN.

>> I'M PARIS SCHUTZ.

ON THE SHOW TONIGHT... >> THIS BILL PUTS OUR STATE ON THE PATH TO A CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE.

>> ONE-ON-ONE WITH ILLINOIS' HOUSE SPEAKER TO TALK ABOUT THE NEW ENERGY LAW, REDISTRICTING AND MORE.

>> AS LONG AS THIS IS WHAT OUR COMMUNITY WANTS WE WILL FIGHT TOOTH AND NAIL TO GET IT FOR THEM.

>> A COMMUNITY COLLABORATIVE FARM IS UNDERWAY IN LITTLE VILLAGE.

>> THE LIFE AND LEGEND OF MUHAMMAD ALI IN AND OUT OF THE BOXING RING.

KEN BURNS JOINS US TO TALK ABOUT HIS NEW DOCUMENTARY.

>> A NEW CITY ORDINANCE MIGHT HELP SAVE AN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF BUMBLE BEES.

>> I'M ANGEL IDOWU AND COMING UP TONIGHT I WILL INTRODUCE YOU TO A CHICAGO ARTIST PERFORMING THE A NEW MUSIC FESTIVAL IN HARRISON PARK THIS WEEKEND.

>> HE IS DOWN FIELD AND HE HAS A MAN OPEN AND THE 15 YARDLINE BY VAN JEFFERSON.

>> AND CAN THE BEARS BOUNCE BACK AT HOME AGAINST THE BENGALS AFTER GETTING BLOWN OUT BY LOS ANGELES IN THEIR SEASON OPENER?

>> AND AS YOU MENTIONED I AM IN LITTLE VILLAGE HAS PART OF OUR "CHICAGO TONIGHT" "IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD SERIES".

I'M LOCATED ON THE WEST SIDE STANDING NEXT TO THE FAMOUS THE GRAND ENTRANCE TO 26TH STREET.

RECENTLY THE COMMISSION OF CHICAGOLAND MARK TOOK THE FIRST STEPS TOWARDS MAKING THIS ICONIC ART AN OFFICIAL LANDMARK AND THE NEIGHBORHOOD HAS DEALT WITH DISINVESTMENT AND WE TALK TO CITY LEADERS AND THE RESIDENTS IN THE AREA.

FIRST, WE SEND IT BACK TO YOU.

>> AND JOANNA HERNANDEZ A LOT OF REVELERS CELEBRATING MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY.

>> FIRST, SOME OF TODAY'S TOP STORIES... >> THE CITY IS UPPING ITS EFFORTS TO GET RESIDENTS VACCINATED.

HEALTH OFFICIALS ANNOUNCED THEY ARE EXPANDING THEIR EFFORT TO GO DOOR-TO-DOOR TO REACH UNVACCINATED RESIDENTS AND LAUNCH AN EFFORT TO CONTACT UNVACCINATED RESIDENTS BY PHONE.

CITY OFFICIALS KNOCKED ON 16,500 DOORS SINCE LAUNCHING THE OUTREACH EFFORT ON JUNE THIRTEENTH.

AND DICK DURBIN SPOKE AT THE HEALTH CLINIC ON THE SOUTH SIDE CALLING THE HIGH LEVEL OF CASES OF THE PANDEMIC OF THE UNVACCINATED.

>> THE F.D.A.

AUTHORIZED AND APPROVED MULTIPLE VACCINES THAT ARE INCREDIBLY EFFECTIVE AND PREVENT SERIOUS ILLNESS AND SAVE LIVES.

THEY ARE SAFE.

THEY ARE EFFECTIVE AND THEY ARE FREE.

THERE'S NO EXCUSE.

>> A NEW REPORT SAYS THE CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT IS OUT OF SORTS WHEN IT COMES TO ITS RECORD KEEPING.

THE REPORT FROM THE INSPECTOR GENERAL SAYS THE DEPARTMENT HAS TAKEN NO CORRECTIVE ACTION TO ADDRESS ISSUES RELATED TO THE RECORD MANAGEMENT AFTER A CRITICAL REPORT AGAINST THE DEPARTMENT LAST YEAR.

AND ACCORDING TO THIS REPORT, C.P.D.

HAS NO COMPREHENSIVE RECORDS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM THAT ALLOWS FOR THE AUTOMATION OF ALL OF THE DEPARTMENT'S RECORDS AND THERE IS MUCH MORE ON THIS STORY ON OUR WEBSITE.

NEXT, WE GO EXPLORING LITTLE VILLAGE.

PLEASE STAY WITH US.

>> Announcer: "CHICAGO TONIGHT" IS MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY... >> TODAY IS MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY AND CELEBRATIONS ARE KICKING OFF ACROSS THE CITY, ESPECIALLY AS WE HEARD IN CHICAGO'S LITTLE VILLAGE NEIGHBORHOOD.

"CHICAGO TONIGHT" JOANNA HERNANDEZ AND PRODUCER SPENT THE DAY IN THE SOUTHWEST SIDE NEIGHBORHOOD AS PART OF OUR "IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD SERIES".

JOANNA JOINS US TO TELL US MORE ABOUT NEW PLANS COMING TO THE AREA AND HOW PEOPLE ARE CELEBRATING TODAY.

>> JOANNA?

>> BRANDIS IT IS A PARTY OUT HERE.

LITTLE VILLAGE IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE NEIGHBORHOODS.

IT IS -- IT'S LOOKING GREAT.

EVEN THOUGH THE PARADE WAS CANCELED IT HAS NOT STOPPED PEOPLE FROM COMING OUT AND CELEBRATING AND DEMONSTRATING THEIR MEXICAN PRIDE.

TONS OF CARS DRIVING UP AND DOWN 26TH STREET ALL OF THEM DEMONSTRATING THEIR -- THEIR MEXICAN PRIDE.

IT FEELS GREAT OUT HERE.

84% OF THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE HERE ARE LATINO SO YOU CAN ONLY IMAGINE HOW THE NEIGHBORHOOD COMES TOGETHER TO CELEBRATE SUCH AN IMPORTANT DAY IN OUR CULTURE.

>> IT BRINGS A LOT OF EXCITEMENT AND A LOT OF HAPPINESS AND FOR ME TO KNOW THAT OTHER PEOPLE ARE ENJOYING THEMSELVES AND THEY ARE IN THE MEXICAN SPIRIT.

>> THE VIBRANT LITTLE VILLAGE COMMUNITY IS BUSTLING WITH MEXICAN PRIDE AS CELEBRATIONS ARE IN FULL FORCE FOR MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY.

A WEEK BEFORE CELEBRATIONS BEGIN, ALBERTO GOMEZ AND HIS MOTHER SELL MERCHANDISE EVERY YEAR.

HE SAYS DESPITE THE PARADE BEING CANCELED PEOPLE ARE COMING OUT AND INTERACTING WITH THE COMMUNITY.

>> I AM PROUD BECAUSE OF MY ROOTS AND WHERE I COME FROM AND THAT IS WHAT MAKES IT BEAUTIFUL.

I'M PROUD OF MY ROOTS.

AND OF MY CULTURE.

>> OVER THE YEARS, RESIDENTS IN LITTLE VILLAGE HAVE FACED MANY CHALLENGES FROM FIGHTING TO CLOSE TWO POWER PLANTS TO DEMANDING RESOURCES AND PROGRAMS TO UPLIFT AND SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY.

>> LITTLE VILLAGE IS A LOT OF IMMIGRANTS THEY DON'T HAVE PAPERWORK AND GOVERNMENT DON'T HELP THEM WE FIND A WAY TO HELP THE COMMUNITY.

>> AND I LIVE RIGHT HERE, THREE BLOCKS AWAY.

>> ARE NOT LAST YEAR, THE PRESIDENT OF THE MINISTRY TO THE COMMUNITY HAS JOINED FORCES WITH THE POLICE DEPARTMENT TO HAPPENED OUT HUNDREDS OF FOOD BOXES TO AREA RESIDENTS.

>> WHEN THE PANDEMIC CAME, IT BECAME I HAD A LITTLE TRUCK AND I USED TO DO 50 FAMILIES A MONTH AND NOW I DO 25 A WEEK.

WE GOT [INAUDIBLE] >> THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ORGANIZATION HAS DEDICATED 20 YEARS FOR ADVOCATING FOR A HEALTHIER COMMUNITY.

>> WE HAVE BEEN INUNDATED WITH WAREHOUSES AND CRAPPY JOBS WE'RE BEING FORCED TO GENTRIFY AND WE ARE FIGHTING BACK BY TAKING OWNERSHIP OF THE LAND AND USING THE LAND TO OUR ADVANTAGE.

>> SHE IS TALKING ABOUT A FARM COMING TO THE PARK.

IT WAS ONCE THE LOCATION OF AN INDUSTRIAL SITE.

THE ORGANIZATION FOUGHT FOR YEARS FOR THE PROPERTY TO BE CLEANED UP AND TRANSFORMED INTO A PARK.

>> OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF SATURDAYS WE WILL HAVE COMMUNITY MEMBERS DESIGN WHAT THE FARM SHOULD LOOK LIKE.

PEOPLE WANT ORCHARDS AND TREES THEY CAN PICK FRUIT FROM.

AND THEY WANT URBAN AGRICULTURE CLASSES HOW TO GROW FOOD IN THE FARM AND IN THEIR HOME.

AND WE ARE ALSO GOING TO HAVE A WORKER OWNED COOPERATIVE.

>> STEPS FROM THE PARK IS A DISCOUNT MALL A PLACE THAT HAS BEEN A STAPLE OF THE COMMUNITY FOR DECADES.

A MALL THAT HAS GIVEN HUNDREDS OF MEXICAN IMMIGRANTS AN OPPORTUNITY TO START A BUSINESS.

IT'S BEEN A YEAR SINCE NOVAK CONSTRUCTION TOOK OWNERSHIP AND VENDORS HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THE COMPANY HAS PLANNED FOR THE MALL.

[SPEAKING SPANISH] >> GOMEZ LIKE MANY OTHERS WORKED HERE FOR DECADES.

THE NOVAK CONSTRUCTION HAS NOT RESPONDED TO REMEMBER REQUESTS.

THE COMPANY RELEASED A STATEMENT THAT THEY WERE WORKING ON UNDERSTANDING THE MARKET AND THE NEIGHBORHOOD BETTER AND THERE WERE NOT CONCRETE PLANS.

>> I WANT TO STAY HERE.

THIS BUILDING IS MUCH OLDER WE NEED TO REPAIRING BETTER BUILDING FOR THE COMMUNITY.

>> RENOVATE IT?

>> YES.

I KNOW WHEN WE PAY RENT WE HAVE NO PROBLEM WITH THAT.

JUST WE WANT TO [INAUDIBLE] WE WANT TO BE PART OF THE PROGRAM.

>> AS THE COMMUNITY CELEBRATES MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY, WASSERMAN FEELS THE DATE RESONATES WITH THE STRUGGLE THE NEIGHBORHOOD FACES.

>> UNFORTUNATELY IT SEEMS ALL WE DO IS FIGHT BUT WE'RE FIGHTING FOR A BETTER NEIGHBORHOOD AND FIGHTING TO STAY IN THE CITY AND THE NEIGHBORHOOD THAT WE LOVE SO MUCH.

I'M HOPEFUL THAT ONE DAY WE WILL STOP FIGHTING BUT UNTIL THEN WE ARE GOING TO CONTINUE TO FIGHT AND FIGHT LIKE HELL.

>> AS YOU HEARD PEOPLE ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT THEIR HERITAGE AND YOU CAN SEE THAT DOWN 26TH STREET HEARING THE HORNS AND THE FLAGS AND THE MUSIC.

IT IS A BEAUTIFUL SCENE HERE.

I HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH NOVAK CONSTRUCTION BUT THEY HAVE YET TO GIVE ME NEW INFORMATION.

ON THE OTHER HAND, A SPOKESPERSON FOR THE OFFICE TELLS ME THEY HAVE REACHED OUT TO KNOW VAX TO UNDERSTAND WHAT IS THE PLAN FOR THE PLAZA BUT THEY HAVE YET TO GET NEW INFORMATION AND ONCE THEY HAVE THAT INFORMATION THEY ARE PLANNING A COMMUNITY MEETING WITH THE PEOPLE FROM THIS NEIGHBORHOOD.

THAT IS ALL THAT I HAVE FROM HERE.

I TOSS IT BACK TO YOU IN THE STUDIO.

>> THANK YOU.

LOTS OF HORN HONKING AND CELEBRATION WE APPRECIATE IT.

>> AND NOW TO AMANDA VINICKY AND ILLINOIS' HOUSE SPEAKER.

AMANDA?

>> BRANDIS, A MASSIVE ENERGY BILL BECAME LAW THIS WEEK AND AMONG OTHER THINGS IT AIMS TO GET ILLINOIS CARBON FREE IN THE NEXT FEW DECADES.

COVID VACCINATION RATES SLOW AS THE DELTA VARIANT IS STILL SURGING AND THE LEGISLATURE'S VETO SESSION IS COMING UP IN A MONTH.

JOINING US TO TALK ABOUT ALL OF THAT AND MORE IS ILLINOIS HOUSE SPEAKER CHRIS WELCH.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US, SPEAKER.

ABOUT NINE MONTHS INTO THE JOB OR SO?

>> ACTUALLY A LITTLE OVER EIGHT MONTHS AND BOY, HAS IT GONE QUICKLY.

>> HASN'T IT EVER PLENTY GOING ON.

LET'S START WITH THE ENERGY LEGISLATION.

IT PUTS ILLINOIS ON THE PATH TO ELIMINATING ALL FOSSIL FUELS AND THAT IS SOMETHING THAT ENVIRONMENTALISTS ARE CELEBRATING GETTING TO TACKLE GLOBAL WARMING AND THAT IS GOING TO COST CONSUMERS INCLUDING THEM HAVING SEND $700 MILLION TO A HIGHLY PROFITABLE CORPORATION EXELON AND ONE THAT HAS A SUBSIDIARY THAT ADMITTED TO A BRIBERY SCHEME THAT INVOLVES YOUR PREDECESSOR.

HOW DO YOU JUSTIFY THAT COST TO CONSUMER WHO IS GOING TO BE LOOKING AT AN ELECTRIC BILL WITH ALL THE NEW FEES?

>> AMANDA THIS IS A HISTORIC MOMENT FOR ILLINOIS.

YOU KNOW IT IS REALLY SOMETHING ABOUT OUR CHILDREN AND OUR CHILDREN'S CHILDREN AND THE FUTURE OF THIS GREAT STATE.

AND ONE OF THE THINGS THAT DID OCCUR WAS THAT THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE ASKED EXELON TO OPEN THE BOOKS AND EXELON DID DO THAT.

AND THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE DID AN INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION INTO EXELON'S FINANCES AND FOUND THAT THE $700 MILLION IS A REASONABLE NUMBER.

WE KNOW THAT A PATH TO CLEAN ENERGY TO A CARBON-FREE ILLINOIS HAS TO INCLUDE NUCLEAR ENERGY.

IT WAS SO IMPORTANT TO HAVE A PATH TOWARD CLEAN ENERGY AND INCLUDE NUCLEAR ENERGY THAT THE SECRETARY OF ENERGY, JENNIFER CALLED ME TODAY TO CONGRATULATE US ON WHAT A WONDERFUL JOB WE DID WITH THIS HISTORIC NATION-LEADING BILL.

AND WE SHOULD BE PROUD OF THIS.

AND THE FACT THAT WE HAD TO PROVIDE SUBSIDIES WAS AN IMPORTANT STEP IN GETTING TO 100% CARBON-FREE BY 2045.

>> DID THE SECRETARY SAY ANYTHING ABOUT ADDITIONAL FEDERAL HELP COMING FOR NUCLEAR PLANTS?

>> WELL, SHE DID SAY THAT WHAT WE DID HERE IN ILLINOIS IS CERTAINLY GOING TO BE A START OF SOMETHING GOOD AND HOPEFULLY THAT MEANS SOMETHING IS ON THE WAY FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.

SHE DID NOT SPECIFY BUT SHE BELIEVES THAT WHAT WE DID HERE WAS GOING TO LEAD THE WAY TO OTHER GOOD THINGS HAPPENING ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND I'M PROUD OF THAT FACT.

>> LET'S MOVE ON TO REDISTRICTING.

THE LEGISLATURE HAD TO REDO THE FIRST SET OF MAPS FOR NEW STATE HOUSE AND SENATE DISTRICTS AND DID SO OVER CONCERNS WITH GOOD GOVERNMENT GROUPS AND LEADERS OF COMMUNITIES OF COLOR.

LET'S TAKE A LISTEN.

>> AND WE SIMPLY DON'T HAVE ENOUGH REASSURE RENSES THAT COMMUNITIES OF COLOR HAVE HAD THEIR VOTING RIGHTS RESPECTED IN THIS BILL THAT IS BEFORE YOU ALL TODAY.

AND THAT IS ESPECIALLY THE CASE FOR OUR BLACK VOTERS WHO ARE DEEPLY AFFECTED BY THIS MAP PROPOSAL.

AND WHOSE DISTRICTS HAVE EXPERIENCED IMPORTANT DEMOGRAPHIC CHANGES AND ALSO MAPPING CHANGES THAT ARE COMING DOWN ON TO THESE COMMUNITIES AS THE REPERCUSSIONS OF THE MAPS.

>> YOU HAVE SAID THAT THESE NEW MAPS REFLECT ILLINOIS' DIVERSITY.

IF THAT IS THE CASE, WHY IS THE MEXICAN AMERICAN LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATION FUND SUING THE STATE OF ILLINOIS OVER THEM?

ALSO THE LATINO POLICY FORUM CALLING FOR THE GOVERNOR TO VETO?

>> WELL, LET ME SAY THIS, AMANDA, AND I CAN TELL YOU WE BELIEVE WE GOT IT RIGHT.

THE MATTER IS IN COURT AND BEING LITIGATED AND WE DO BELIEVE THAT THE MAPS WILL BE UPHELD.

WE BELIEVE THAT THE MAPS DO REFLECT THE GREAT DIVERSITY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS.

THE MAPS WERE ALL PASSED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY AFTER EXTENSIVE HEARINGS BY OUR REDISTRICTING COMMITTEE.

WE HAD OVER 50 HEARINGS BACK IN THE SPRING AND DID HEARINGS IN THE SUMMER WHEN WE WERE BACK IN AUGUST.

WE RECEIVED SIGNIFICANT INPUT ON THESE MAPS.

AND I'M PROUD OF THE DIVERSITY THAT IS REFLECTED IN THE MAPS.

NATION-LEADING EXPERTS SAY THAT OUR MAPS ARE A MODEL FOR DIVERSITY REPRESENTATION.

AND I'M PROUD OF THAT.

AND I DO BELIEVE WHAT WE DID WILL BE UPHELD IN COURT.

THE ORGANIZATIONS THAT YOU MENTIONED HAVE SUED ON PRIOR MAPS AND LOST AND I BELIEVE THEY WILL BE UNSUCCESSFUL THIS TIME AROUND AS WELL.

>> ALL THOSE HEARINGS HELD BEFORE THE TIME VERSION OF THE MAPS AS UNVEILED AND VOTED ON.

LET'S MOVE ON TO COVID.

LATE JULY PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN SPOKE ABOUT WAYS TO INCREASE COVID VACCINATION RATES.

HERE HE IS.

>> I'M CALLING ON ALL STATES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO USE FUNDING THEY HAVE RECEIVED INCLUDING FROM THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN TO GIVE $100 TO ANYONE WHO GETS FULLY VACCINATED.

I KNOW THE IT MIGHT SOUND UNFAIR TO FOLKS WHO HAVE GOTTEN VACCINATED ALREADY.

HERE'S THE DEAL, IF INCENTIVES HELP US BEAT THIS VIRUS, I BELIEVE WE SHOULD USE THEM.

>> IS A $100 INCENTIVE SOMETHING THAT ILLINOIS SHOULD DO?

>> I THINK WE SHOULD TRY ANYTHING THAT WORKS.

WE HAVE TRIED INCENTIVES HERE IN ILLINOIS.

WE PASSED LEGISLATION DURING THE SPRING.

THE GOVERNOR AND HIS TEAM ROLLED OUT THE VACCINATION LOTTERY AND FOLKS HAVE WON LOTTERY PRIZES FOR GETTING VACCINATED.

I THINK WE NEED TO DO EVERYTHING WE CAN AS LEADERS IN THE GOVERNMENT TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO GET VACCINATED.

>> WHAT DOES THAT LOOK LIKE NOW?

INCLUDING MANDATES FOR ALL STATE EMPLOYEES?

>> WELL, I SUPPORT THE GOVERNOR'S EXECUTIVE ORDERS.

I DO BELIEVE WHAT THE GOVERNOR IS DOING IS HIS BEST ATTEMPT TO KEEP ILLINOIS HEALTHY.

WE'RE STARTING TO SEE HOSPITALIZATIONS FLAT ESPECIALLY BECAUSE OF HIS EXECUTIVE ORDERS.

SO I DO SUPPORT WHAT THE GOVERNOR IS TRYING TO DO HERE.

AND WE SEE IN THE SOUTHERN PART OF THE STATE WHERE THEY DON'T HAVE AN ICU BED BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT GETTING VACCINATED AND NOT WEARING MASKS.

WE KNOW IF YOU FOLLOW THE SCIENCE THAT MASKS WORK AND THAT THE VACCINE WORKS.

I SUPPORT THE GOVERNOR'S EFFORTS AND WHAT IS IS TRYING TO DO.

>> IT SEEMS LIKE A MAYBE ON THE $100 IT'S NOT SOMETHING THAT YOU ARE ADVOCATING FOR BUT A POSSIBILITY IS THAT ACCURATE?

>> I THINK INCENTIVES WORK AND IF THAT IS SOMETHING WE SHOULD DO WE SHOULD TAKE A LOOK AT IT.

>> YOU ARE A FORMER COLLEGE ATHLETE AND THE BEARS ARE CONSIDERING MOVING STADIUM TO ARLINGTON HEIGHTS.

ILLINOIS COULD BE ASKED TO GIVE THE TEAM MONEY TO STAY AT SOLDIER FIELD.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS?

WOULD YOU SUPPORT THAT?

>> I THINK IT'S PREMATURE RIGHT NOW.

I CERTAINLY THINK THAT WE HAVE SOME MORE PRESSING THINGS TO CONSIDER RIGHT NOW OTHER THAN THE BEARS POSSIBLY MOVING TO ARLINGTON HEIGHTS.

I AM A BEARS FAN.

I'M DEFINITELY HOPING THEY STAY HERE IN THE STATE OF ILLINOIS BECAUSE I AM A BEARS FAN.

BUT WHETHER OR NOT THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY SHOULD GIVE THEM MONEY FOR SOMETHING THAT IS AN IF, MAYBE, IT'S WAY PREMATURE TO HAVE THOSE DISCUSSIONS.

>> AND BRIEFLY I KNOW WE'RE RUNNING SHORT ON TIME, YOU SAID THERE IS A LOT OF OTHER PRIORITIES, WHAT IS YOUR TOP PRIORITY WE HAVE A MONTH BEFORE THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY RETURNS FOR VETO SESSION?

>> WELL, I KNOW OUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION WOULD LIKE TO HEAR ME SAY THEIR MAPS.

WE DO HAVE TO GET OUR CONGRESSIONAL MAPS DONE.

WE HAVE NOT DONE THAT YET.

AND SO I DO THINK THAT IS THE TOP PRIORITY FOR OUR VETO SESSION.

BUT THERE MAY BE OTHER THINGS THAT COME FORTH AS WELL.

>> NO HINTS WHAT THE OTHER THINGS MIGHT BE?

>> WELL, WE'VE BEEN TIED UP WITH ENERGY WE JUST DON'T KNOW YET IT IS A WORK IN PROGRESS.

>> I HAVE A PREDICTION.

THE BUDGET IS GOING TO COME INTO PLAY AND OTHER COVID MEASURES.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH ONCE AGAIN THAT IS ILLINOIS HOUSE SPEAKER CHRIS WELCH WE APPRECIATE IT.

>> PLEASURE.

>> AND NOW PARIS WE TOSS IT BACK TO YOU.

>> THE BEARS GOING TO MOVE OUT OF ILLINOIS?

ALL RIGHT THANK YOU.

AND NOW WE GO TO JOANNA HERNANDEZ WHO SPENT THE DAY IN LITTLE VILLAGE AS PART OF OUR "IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD SERIES".

>> JOANNA?

>> THANKS.

WE ARE HERE WITH BALTAZAR ENRIQUEZ THE PRESIDENT OF THE LITTLE VILLAGE COMMUNITY COUNCIL HOW ARE YOU DOING ON THE DAY OF CELEBRATION.

>> SUPER HAPPY.

OUR INDEPENDENCE.

>> I LOVE THE JERSEY.

>> MEXICO.

>> I LOVE IT.

I WANT TO START OFF YOUR TEAM HAS BEEN ADVOCATING FOR A BILL THAT WOULD ALLOW UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS AND LEGAL RESIDENTS TO VOTE IN ILLINOIS SCHOOL BOARD OF ELECTIONS.

CAN YOU TELL US WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT TO YOU?

>> IT'S IMPORTANT BECAUSE THE STUDENT BODY IN THE C.P.S.

THE MAJORITY IS LATINO.

SPANISH SPEAKERS.

AND IF WE DON'T HAVE A SEAT AT THE TABLE THEN IT'S NOT FAIR BECAUSE THEN THEY DON'T WANT TO TALK ABOUT OUR PEOPLE AND OUR HISTORY AND TRYING TO PUT US TO THE SIDE.

AND WE ARE ALREADY TIRED OF BEING PUT ASIDE AND IGNORED THAT IS WHAT THEY DO TO US.

THEY DON'T SPEAK ENGLISH FORGET THE MEXICANS.

IT SHOULDN'T BE LIKE THAT WE ARE HUMANS AND WE PAY A LOT OF TAXES.

WE ARE ONE OF THE POPULATIONS THAT PUTS MOST OF THE MONEY INTO THE TAXES.

IT SHOWS WE PUT A LOT OF MONEY INTO THIS POT BUT WE GET LITTLE BACK.

AND THAT IS WHY WE NEED A SEAT AT THE TABLE BECAUSE WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WE HAVE A FAIR SHARE OF THE SCHOOLS.

>> OF COURSE, WOULD YOU SAY THAT MORE AND MORE PEOPLE FROM THIS COMMUNITY ARE SPEAKING OUT ON IMPORTANT ISSUES JUST LIKE THIS ONE?

>> YES, THEY ARE.

THEY ARE NOT ONLY SPEAKING ABOUT THE EDUCATION PART BUT ALSO LITERACY.

LITERACY IS ONE OF THE BIG ISSUES IN OUR COMMUNITY BECAUSE WE ARE LEARNING ENGLISH INSTEAD OF SAYING TOILET PAPER, NOT PAPER TOILET WE WANT TO TEACH OUR KIDS SO WE CAN SEND THEM TO HARVARD AND YALE AND BE PREPARED FOR UNIVERSITIES.

>> WE WERE HERE IN APRIL IN THE ACHE OF THE ADAM TOLEDO SHOOTING YOU WERE CALLING ON MORE COMMUNITY INVESTMENT HAVE YOU SEEN PROGRESS?

>> NO, IT IS A DOG AND PONY SHOW THEY DO THAT TO US.

THEY TRY TO PERPETRATE THAT THEY ARE GOING TO HELP AND SEND IN TONS OF MONEY AND HELP AND AT THE END OF THE DAY [INAUDIBLE] AND THAT IS WHAT THE MAYOR DALEY TO RAHM, TO LORI THEY HAVE IGNORED US THEY ATTACK US BUT THEY HIRE THEIR COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS SUPPORT IN THE MEDIA AND PUT THE SHOW THAT THEY NEED TO PUT ON.

>> YOU ARE GOING TO KEEP PUSHING TO SEE THE NECESSARY PROGRAMS THAT LITTLE VILLAGE DESERVES?

>> WE ARE GOING TO GET IT ACCOMPLISHED.

WE ARE GOING TO MAKE SURE WE GET THE PROGRAMS THE HEADSTART PROGRAMS AND A YOUTH PROGRAMS AND ALSO THE MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMS THAT WE BADLY NEED HERE.

>> GREAT.

OF COURSE I WANT TO TAKE IT TO WHAT WE'RE SEEING MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY.

I WANT TO ASK YOU WHY IS MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY IMPORTANT AND WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO THIS COMMUNITY?

>> WELL, IT MEANS THAT WE ARE GOING TO SHOW OUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS.

SHOW OFF OUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS.

WE HAVE BEEN A COMMUNITY THAT HAS ACCOMPLISHED A LOT.

WE HAVE TO SHOW OFF OUR INFLUENCE AND INFLUENCED THE UNITED STATES THAT WE ARE MORE AMERICAN THAN KRAFT CHEESE.

>> THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

NOW, STAY TUNED WE WILL BE BACK TO TALK WITH THE COMMUNITY YOUTH PROGRAMS AND THE VIOLENCE INTERVENTION EFFORTS HERE IN LITTLE VILLAGE.

TAKE IT BACK TO YOU.

>> A LOT OF CELEBRATING THERE ON 26TH STREET.

>> UP NEXT A PREVIEW OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF MEXICAN ARTS FIRST EVER MUSICAL FESTIVAL.

SO STAY WITH US.

>> AND WE HAVE MORE AHEAD ON THE PROGRAM INCLUDING A CONVERSATION WITH FILMMAKER KEN BURNS ABOUT THE NEW DOCUMENTARY ON BOXING LEGEND MUHAMMAD ALI.

BUT FIRST, HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH IS IN FULL SWING AND SO ARE THE CELEBRATIONS.

ARTS CORRESPONDENT, ANGEL IDOWU TAKES US TO PILSEN WHERE THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF MEXICAN ART WILL BE HOSTING ITS FIRST EVER MUSIC FESTIVAL WITH HELP FROM MEXICAN ARTISTS AROUND THE COUNTRY.

[♪♪♪] SOUNDS OF 18TH STREET.

[♪♪♪] >> THAT'S THE THEME OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF MEXICAN ART'S FIRST EVER MUSIC FESTIVAL, SONIDO FESTIVAL.

>> FOR A LOT OF THE SOUTH SIDE MEXICANS AND LATINOS WASN'T KNOWN AS PILSEN BUT KNOWN AS [INAUDIBLE] WAY BACK IN THE DAY.

PILSEN IS USED MORE.

BUT PAYING HOMAGE TO 18TH STREET AS THE IDENTIFIER THE WAY WE USE TO IDENTIFY PILL LEN AS.

[♪♪♪] >> BUT IT'S ABOUT MORE THAN A TRIBUTE TO MEXICAN CULTURE.

CAN YOU TELL ME MORE ABOUT THE STEREOTYPES YOU HOPE THIS FESTIVAL BREAKS OR BRINGS ATTENTION TO.

>> THERE IS SO MUCH RICHNESS AND DIVERSITY IN WHO WE ARE.

AND I THINK THIS FESTIVAL IS ALLOWING US TO GIVING US AN OPPORTUNITY TO SORT OF SHOWCASE THE DIFFERENT ARTISTS THAT ARE OF MEXICAN DES SCENT AND THEY WILL BE SINGING OLDIES.

AND FOLK MUSIC.

AND ELECTRONIC.

IT'S REALLY SORT OF A ECLECTIC MUSIC FESTIVAL.

[♪♪♪] >> A MONTH OF UP-AND-COMING ARTISTS, ELEEZA SILVA.

>> WHEN IT COMES TO MY SONGS I REALLY TRY TO REVEAL PARTS OF MYSELF THAT EVEN I LIKE HAVE TROUBLE ACCEPTING.

>> FROM JAZZ TO SOUL INFLUENCES, SILVA DESCRIBES HER SOUND AS EXPERIMENTAL.

>> MY SONGS I'M LIKE SELF REFLECTIVE AND I TRY TO GET TO THE BOTTOM OF WHAT IS BOTHERING ME.

I FEEL A BIG PART OF MY LIFE WAS JUST A LOT OF PEOPLE TRYING TO BRING ME DOWN AND INFLUENCE ME, TRYING TO PUT A LOT OF STUFF IN MY HEAD.

ESPECIALLY WITH MUSIC MAKING MORE SONGS IT REALLY MADE ME RECOGNIZE WHO I AM AND MY WORTH AND WHAT I'M HERE FOR AND IT'S LIKE NOTHING ELSE REALLY MATTERS AS LONG AS I'M FOCUSED.

[♪♪♪] >> AFTER PERFORMING IN SONIDO FESTIVAL, SILVA SAYS SHE IS EAGER TO BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER THROUGH THE SOUNDS OF HER STORY WHILE SHARING THE STAGE WITH OTHER LATINO ARTISTS.

>> ESPECIALLY THE STATE OF THE WORLD, MUSIC IS ALL WE HAVE THAT REALLY COULD JUST PICK YOU UP EVERY SONG HAS A STORY.

EVEN IF THE SONGS DO NOT HAVE WORDS YOU CAN FEEL WHAT IS TRYING TO BE TRANSLATED.

I FEEL LIKE THAT HELPS EVERYBODY IN MANY FORMS AND MANY SITUATIONS BECAUSE IT BRINGS CLARITY.

[♪♪♪] >> FOR "CHICAGO TONIGHT" I'M ANGEL IDOWU.

>> AND SILVA PLANS TO RELEASE A LIVE ALBUM THIS FALL AND DEBUT HER FIRST EP EARLY NEXT YEAR.

YOU WITH CATCH HER SATURDAY AT 2:50 P.M.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR THE WEEKEND LINEUP.

BRANDIS BACK TO YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

>> AND STILL TO COME ON "CHICAGO TONIGHT"... A NEW CITY ORDINANCE CREATES THE NATIVE GARDEN REGISTRY WHAT THAT IS AND HOW IT CAN PROTECT GARDENERS AND ENDANGERED SPECIES OF BUMBLE BEES.

THE EPIC LIFE OF BOXER MUHAMMAD ALI IS THE FOCUS OF A NEW DOCUMENTARY.

KEN BURNS JOINS US.

>> CREATING A SAFE SPACE ON THE SOUTH SIDE WE TALK WITH A COMMUNITY LEADER ABOUT VIOLENCE INTERVENTION AND SPORTS PROGRAMS.

AND AFTER A SEASON OPENING LOSS TO THE RAMS HOW LONG WILL BEARS COACH NAGY RESIST PRESSURE TO GIVE HIS ROOKIE QUARTERBACK PORE PLAYING TIME?

FIRST, SOME OF TODAY'S TOP STORIES... >> OBESITY IS ON THE RISE ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND IN SOME STATES BLACK AND LATINO RESIDENTS ARE EXPERIENCING THE HIGHEST RATES.

>> THE PANDEMIC DISPROPORTIONATELY AFFECTED THESE COMMUNITIES AS WELL.

PARTLY BECAUSE A LOT OF THE PEOPLE WHO ARE ESSENTIAL WORKERS MIGHT BE FROM THOSE COMMUNITIES, ACCESS TO CHILDCARE OR PEOPLE TO KEEP THE KIDS BUSY AND ACTIVE MIGHT NOT HAVE BEEN AS AVAILABLE.

>> THIS NEW REPORT FROM THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION SAYS THE NUMBER OF STATES WITH MORE THAN 35% OF THE POPULATION SELF REPORTING AS OBESE HAS NEARLY DOUBLED SINCE 2018 FROM NINE STATES TO 16.

IN ILLINOIS, OBESITY WAS ON THE RISE PREPANDEMIC RISING FROM JUST OVER 27% IN 2011 UP TO 32.4% IN 2020.

THE C.D.C.

SAYS THE RATE OF OBESITY FOR WHITES IN ILLINOIS FROM 2018-2020 WAS JUST OVER 31% BUT 35% FOR HISPANICS AND 41% FOR BLACK ILLINOISIANS.

AND SHOPPERS WILL NOTICE THE SPACE GETTING EMPTIER.

RIGHT BEFORE THE HOLIDAY SEASON.

THE PARENT COMPANY TO SEARS SAYS IT WILL CLOSE THE SEARS LOCATION AT THE MALL IN SCHAUMBURG ON NOVEMBER 14TH.

IT PLANS TO REDEVELOP AND REINVIGORATE THE PROPERTY AND IS IN NEGOTIATIONS WITH RETAILORS FOR THAT LOCATION.

THIS IS THE LAST SEARS LOCATION IN THE STATE.

>> AN ORDINANCE PASSED BY CITY COUNCIL GIVES GARDENERS NEW PROTECTION FROM OVERZEALOUS TICKET WRITERS AND IT MATE SAVE THE BUMBLE BEE.

WTTW NEWS REPORTER PATTY WETLI JOINS US NOW TO EXPLAIN.

WELCOME BACK.

>> THANK YOU.

>> WE KNOW THAT CITY COUNCIL PASSED AN ORDINANCE CREATING THE NATIVE AND POLLEN NATURE GARDEN REGISTRY.

WHAT IS THIS AND HOW DOES IT AFFECT LOCAL GARDENERS?

>> THIS IS A LONG AWAITED AMENDMENT TO THE CITY'S NUISANCE ORDINANCE AND IT PROTECTS GARDENERS FROM BEING SOCKED WITH $500 TO $600 FINES FOR THEIR PLANTING BEING MISTAKEN FOR WEEDS.

FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT FAMILIAR WITH NATIVE PLANTS SOME CAN GROW FROM 3-6 FEET TALL AND THEY MIGHT GET MISTAKEN BY AN INSPECTOR FOR WEEDS.

THIS NATIVE GARDEN REGISTRY ALLOWS PEOPLE TO USE NATIVES AND POLLEN NATURE PLANTS IN THEIR HOME GARDENS OR COMMUNITY GARDENS AND NOT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT GETTING HIT WITH A FINE.

>> $500 FOR WEEDS SOUNDS HEFTY.

NOW, THIS IS SOMEWHAT RELATED TO A STORY ON THE RUSTY PATCHED BUMBLE BEE.

THE WILDLIFE SERVICE RELEASED A PLAN FOR THE ENDANGERED SPECIES BUT THE CRITICS SAY MISSES THE MARK HOW COULD CHICAGO'S NEW REGISTRY HELP THE BUMBLE BEE?

>> GOOD QUESTION.

SO CRITICS SAY THAT WHILE ON THE SURFACE THIS LOOKS LIKE A A WRAP AROUND ALL HANDS ON DECK APPROACH, THE PLAN PUNTS OR DOESN'T HAVE TEETH WHEN IT COMES TO WHAT SOME PEOPLE BELIEVE TO BE THE MOST SERIOUS THREAT TO THE BEES SURVIVAL AND THAT IS PESTICIDES.

SPECIFIC GROUP OF PESTICIDES THAT EVEN THE EUROPEAN UNION HAS BANNED.

AND SO THEIR CLAIM IS WITHOUT TAKING THAT OFF THE TABLE YOU ARE NOT REALLY DOING EVERYTHING YOU CAN FOR THE BEES.

BUT IN TERMS OF WHERE CHICAGOANS CAN GET INVOLVED, ILLINOIS IS ACTUALLY ONE OF THE LAST STANDS FOR THE BEE.

IT USED TO HAVE A MASSIVE RANGE ACROSS MUCH OF THE EASTERN, MIDWESTERN PART OF THE COUNTRY AND NOW JUST A FEW STATES AND ONE OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS THAT PEOPLE AGREE WITH AND THINK IS GREAT IS FOR PEOPLE TO DO MORE LANDSCAPING GARDENING WITH NATIVE PLANTS AND POLLINATOR PLANTS THE STUFF THAT THE CITY IS NOW MAKING SURE THAT THE PEOPLE ARE NOT GOING TO GET FINED FOR.

BUT THESE BEES NEED THOSE KINDS OF PLANTS FOR FOOD SOURCE AND FOR HABITAT AND IT IS A GREAT WAY THAT THE AVERAGE PERSON CAN ACTUALLY PLAY A ROLE IN HELPING AN ENDANGERED SPECIES NOT GO EXTINCT.

>> THE BUMBLE BEE WE KNOW IS IMPORTANT TO OUR ECOSYSTEM AND THIS IN PARTICULAR IS CUTE.

>> PATTY WETLI THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> THANKS, BRANDIS.

YOU CAN READ THE STORIES ON YOUR 0 WEBSITE WHERE WE HAVE A LIST OF FIVE THINGS YOU CAN DO TO HELP.

IT'S ALL AT WTTW.COM/NEWS.

>> AND NOW TO PARIS FOR A LOOK AT A NEW DOCUMENTARY ON BOXING CHAMPION MUHAMMAD ALI.

>> PARIS?

>> MUHAMMAD ALI WAS BIGGER THAN BOXING AND LARGER LAND LIFE.

HE WAS A TRUE ICON OF THE 20TH CENTURY WHO CALLED HIMSELF THE GREATEST AND BACKED UP HIS WORDS INSIDE AND OUT OF THE RING.

THIS SUNDAY PBS AIRS PART ONE OF A SWEEPING NEW FOUR-PART DOCUMENTARY ON THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MUHAMMAD ALI.

HERE IS A SHORT CLIP FROM THE FILM OF ALI'S REMATCH WITH JOE FRASER IN 1974.

>> IN THE 9TH, HIS FACE SWOLLEN FROM FRASER'S BLOWS AND HIS NOSE TRICKLING BLOOD, ALI CONNECTED WITH 10 PUNCHES FOR EVERYONE LANDED BY FRASER.

INSPIRING CHANTS OF ALI FROM THE CROWD.

>> THIS IS AS GOOD AS THE LAST NIGHT.

PLENTY OF EXCITEMENT AT OLD MADISON SQUARE GARDEN.

>> EPIC BATTLES AND JOINING US ARE DONALD LASSERE OF THE HISTORY MUSEUM WHO WAS PRESIDENT OF THE MUHAMMAD ALI CENTER.

AND KEN BURNS WHO CODIRECTORRED WITH SARAH BURNS AND DAVID McMAHON.

WELCOME BACK TO "CHICAGO TONIGHT".

>> THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

>> AND KEN, AS I UNDERSTAND YOU STARTED PRODUCTION ON THIS FILM YOU AND YOUR TEAM FIVE YEARS AGO WHEN ALI DIED.

GIVEN AMOUNT THAT HAS BEEN WRITTEN AND DOCUMENTED ABOUT ALI HOW CHALLENGING WAS IT FOR YOU AND YOUR TEAM TO GET TO THE ESSENCE OF SUCH A TRANSFORMATIVE FIGURE?

>> WE BEGAN IT SEVEN YEARS AGO WHEN WE DECIDED TO DO IT.

OUR JOB IS NOT TO SORT OF LOOK OVER OUR SHOULDERS AT THE PREVIOUS WORK THAT HAS BEEN DONE WE ACKNOWLEDGE LOTS OF GREAT DOCUMENTARIES ON MUHAMMAD ALI MOST ARE ABOUT A SPECIFIC FIGHT OR A COUPLE OF YEARS.

WE WERE INTERESTED IN THE ENTIRE STORY A COMPREHENSIVE BIOGRAPHY FROM HIS BIRTH AND BOYHOOD IN JIM CROW SEGREGATED KENTUCKY TO HIS DEATH BY PARKINSON'S FIVE YEARS AGO AND WE WOULD TREAT THE BOXING WHICH I'VE CALLED THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE THE MATCHES ARE SO DRAMATIC.

BUT ALSO THE JOURNEY THE SPIRITUAL JOURNEY OF A QUESTING AND SERIOUS MAN ABOUT WHAT HIS PLACE IN THE WORLD AND IN THE UNIVERSE WAS AND CONTINUE TO LOOK AT THE PERSONAL LIFE AND REALLY SEE THAT HE IS INTERSECTING WITH ALL OF THE THEMES OF THE LAST HALF OF THE 20TH CENTURY.

THE ROLE OF SPORTS IN SOCIETY.

THE ROLE OF THE BLACK ATHLETE.

THE DEFINITIONS OF BLACK MASCULINITY.

AND THE CHANGES DYNAMICS OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT, RACE IN GENERAL.

FAITH, RELIGION, ISLAM, WAR, POLITICS, SEX ALL OF THOSE THINGS INTERSECT AND WHAT COMES OUT THE OTHER SIDE IS A COMPELLING UNBELIEVABLE FIGURE IN MY MIND.

>> AND DONALD YOU WERE HEAD OF THE MUHAMMAD ALI CENTER AS WE MENTIONED FOR SEVERAL YEARS.

HE FOUNDED THAT IN THE EARLY 2000'S DID ALI EVER HAVE ANY CONVERSATIONS WITH YOU ABOUT THESE BIG ISSUES ABOUT WHAT HE WANTED HIS LEGACY TO BE?

>> WELL, WHEN I STARTED AT WILL ALI CENTER IN 2012, HE DID NOT SPEAK MUCH EXCEPT WITH THIS EYES BUT I HAD CONVERSATIONS WITH HIS WIFE AND FRIENDS AND FOLKS.

THE BEST CONVERSATIONS I HAD ABOUT MUHAMMAD ALI, BELIEVE IT OR NOT WERE WITH PEOPLE HE FOUGHT PARTICULARLY LARRY HOLMES AND GEORGE FOREMAN.

AND THE LOVE THAT THEY HAD FOR THE MAN WAS AMAZING.

WHAT KEN TALKED ABOUT HIM BASICALLY NOT JUST BEING A SPORTSMAN BUT A SPOKESPERSON AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF BLACK PEOPLE AROUND THE COUNTRY.

LARRY HOLMES AND GEORGE FOREMAN APPRECIATED THE COURAGE THAT IT TOOK FOR HIM TO DO THAT.

AND WHEN YOU WOULD SIT DOWN AND TALK WITH HIM, AND ESPECIALLY LARRY WHO KNEW HIM WHEN HE WAS A VERY YOUNG MAN AND TALKED ABOUT JUST BEING AROUND HIM AND THE FACT THAT HE HAD THE ABILITY TO JUST GENERATE SO MUCH ENERGY IN ANY ROOM HE WENT INTO BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY, AND KEN POINTED THIS OUT IN THE FILM, I THINK IT WAS RASHEED DA THAT SAID IT WHEN YOU WERE WITH HIM YOU WERE WITH HIM AND HE FOCUSED ON YOU.

>> HE GROWS UP IN LOUISVILLE IN THE JIM CROW SOUTH AND GOES ON TO BEAT SONY LIST TON AND EMBRACES THE NATION OF ISLAM.

REMIND US THE PERCEPTION THAT THE NATION OF ISLAM HAD IN THE DAY AND HOW ALI CAME TO THAT.

AND HOW BIG A ROLE IT PLAYED IN HIS LIFE?

>> HE HAD ALREADY BEEN INTRODUCED TO THE TEACHING THROUGH A RECORD HE BOUGHT SEVERAL YEARS BEFORE.

THAT WAS ACTUALLY READ BY THE MAN NOW GOES AS LEWIS FARRAKHAN.

THE NATION OF ISLAM HE FULLY EMBRACED BUT HE COULD NOT DARE SPEAK IT UNTIL HE WAS THE HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION.

IT HAD BEEN LABELED A HATE GROUP.

IT IS A CULT.

IT DOESN'T REALLY RESEMBLE MAINSTREAM ISLAM IN A WAY, IT IS A HYBRID AMERICANNIZEED VERSION BUT GAVE THIS YOUNG MAN STRUCK BY WHAT IS GOING ON IN THE WORLD AND THE CHANGES DYNAMICS OF CIVIL RIGHTS, THE FATHER'S OWN FRUSTRATIONS WITH HIS INABILITY TO ADVANCE AS A PAINTER HE IS REGULAR GATED TO BEING A SIGN PAINTER TO THE MURDER AND TORTURE OF EMMETT TILL AND THE OPEN CASKET THAT HE AND EVERY OTHER BLACK PERSON SAW.

AND THE NATION OF ISLAM OFFERED SOMETHING THAT HE COULD FIND.

HE BEFRIENDED ONE OF THEIR MOST ARTICULATE MINISTERS, MALCOM X.

AND MALCOM X BECAME A FRIEND AND A MENTOR AND EVENTUALLY, MALCOM X WAS EXPELLED FROM THE NATION OF ISLAM BECAUSE HE WAS GETTING TOO POWERFUL AND TOO POPULAR AND ALSO VERY POLITICAL WHERE THE NATION WAS TRYING TO NOT BE.

IT WAS TRYING TO BE SEPARATISTS AND DEVELOP BUSINESSES AND COMMUNITY-BASED THINGS.

AND OF COURSE HE WAS LATER MURDERED BY MEMBERS OF THE NATION OF ISLAM.

AT THE SAME TIME, KAYCIOUS CLAY WAS GIVEN THE NAME MUHAMMAD ALI AND HE IS ALREADY A BRAGGING ATHLETE IN A TIME WHEN PEOPLE DIDN'T THINK ATHLETES SHOULD DO THAT.

STRIKE ONE.

AND HE CHANGES TO THE NATION OF ISLAM AND CHANGES HIS NAME AND REFUSE INDUCTION INTO THE ARMY STRIKE THREE.

THE REPUTATION OF THE NATION OF ISLAM AS A HATE GROUP AND THAT STUFF CONSPIRES AND WE LIKE TO SAY HE WAS LOVED AT THE END OF HIS LIFE BUT HE WAS DIVISIVE.

I DON'T THINK HE WAS.

I THINK WE WERE DIVISIVE WE SAID TO A BLACK MAN WHO IS FOLLOWING HIS FAITH NO, NO, YOU ARE GIVING THE MIDDLE FINGER TO THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT WHEN IT IN FACT TAFS OF IT WAS NOT THAT.

IT IS A COMPLICATED STORY AND MUHAMMAD ALI A COMPLICATED PERSON AND HAD LOTS OF FAULTS.

HE IS PART OF THAT TUG OF WAR IN THE NATION OF ISLAM BETWEEN MALCOM X AS YOU DOCUMENT IN THE FILM AND STRIKE THREE, DONALD LASSERE THAT AFFECTED HIS FIGHT HERE IN CHICAGO IN 1966 WHERE HE APPEARED BEFORE THE ILLINOIS ATHLETIC COMMISSION.

REMIND US ABOUT THAT EVENT AND WHAT HAPPENED?

>> WELL, I WILL LET KEN CONNECT AS HE DID COVER THAT IN THE DOCUMENTARY.

BUT AS YOU KNOW, BECAUSE OF HIS ASSOCIATION WITH THE NATION, MAYOR DALEY DID NOT LET HIM FIGHT HERE IN CHICAGO BASICALLY.

AND WHAT WAS REALLY INTERESTING AND I WANT TO MAKE A COMMENT TO KEN'S COMMENT ABOUT THE NATION OF ISLAM, I GREW UP ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF CHICAGO.

AND ONE OF THE THINGS THAT HAPPENED WHEN YOU WERE ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF CHICAGO AND THERE WAS SOMEONE FROM THE NATION AROUND, YOU FELT SAFE.

AND THAT'S SOMETHING THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE LOSE SIGHT OF.

I WAS VERY YOUNG AT THE TIME.

AND IT WAS A DYNAMIC THAT WAS VERY INTERESTING AND VERY APPEALING TO CLAY WHEN HE WOULD SEE BLACK MEN DRESSED IN SUIT AND TIES, CLEAN, SHERIFF EN, WELL SPOKE -- SHAVEN AND WELL SPOKEN AND PROUD OF WHO THEY WERE.

I WANT TO SPEAK TO THAT AT A CHICAGOAN THAT WHEN THE NATION SURFACED HERE IN CHICAGO, WE DIDN'T VIEW THEM AS RADICAL MOST OF US DIDN'T ANYWAY.

THEY, AGAIN, MADE US FEEL SAFE AS BLACK PEOPLE IN CERTAIN NEIGHBORHOODS.

AND I'M SURE THAT WAS APPEALING.

>> DONALD LASSERE CAN I ASK YOU ABOUT OUR CURRENT DAY WHEN YOU SEE ATHLETES LIKE COLIN KAEPERNICK TAKING A KNEE AND ATHLETES PROTESTING GEORGE FLOYD, LEBRON JAMES SPEAKING OUT IS THE CLIMATE DIFFERENT WHEN BLACK ATHLETES SPEAK OUT WITH SOCIAL ISSUES OR OPPRESSION VERSUS WHEN MUHAMMAD ALI DID IT AND IS THE REACTION DIFFERENT NOW?

>> OH, CERTAINLY IS.

SO, AGAIN, KEN SAID WHEN MUHAMMAD ALI SPOKE OUT, THERE WERE A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO CONFLATED HIS CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTION WITH HIM BEING ANTI-AMERICAN.

AND THAT WAS NOT ONLY WHITE PEOPLE THAT WAS UNIVERSAL THROUGHOUT OUR CULTURE.

THERE WERE A LOT OF BLACK PEOPLE THAT DISLIKED MUHAMMAD BECAUSE HE MADE THAT STATEMENT.

AND FAST FORWARD TO TODAY HE IS A GREAT REPRESENTATION OF WHAT ATHLETES SHOULD BE DOING WITH THEIR PLATFORMS.

SPEAKING OUT AGAINST INJUSTICE WHICH IS WHAT HE WAS DOING.

SPEAKING OUT AGAINST THE INEQUITIES THAT EXIST.

AND SO I THINK ATHLETES NOW PARTICULARLY BLACK ATHLETES, BASED ON WHAT THEY SAW FROM MUHAMMAD ALI SOME OF THEM FEEL IT'S THEIR DUTY NOW TO USE THEIR PLATFORM.

>> SO MANY FASCINATING PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENTARY AND WE HAVE NOT TALKED ABOUT THE FIGHTS AND HIS FIGHTING STYLE.

BUT YOU CAN WATCH THE DOCUMENTARY BECAUSE WE ARE OUT OF TIME.

THANKS TO DONALD LASSERE AND KEN BURNS THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

>> AND PART ONE OF THE DOCUMENTARY, MUHAMMAD ALI AIRS ON WTTW THIS SUNDAY AT 7:00 P.M. AND BRANDIS FRIEDMAN WILL HAVE MORE WITH KEN BURNS AND DONALD LASSERE ON CHICAGO CAN YOU CHICAGO BLACK VOICES SUNDAY NIGHT AT 6:00 P.M. AND WE HAVE MUCH MORE ABOUT ALI'S LIFE AND LEGACY ON OUR WEBSITE, WTTW.COM/NEWS.

>> AND WE'RE BACK WITH MORE RIGHT AFTER THIS.

>> AND NOW WE CHECK BACK IN WITH JOANNA HERNANDEZ WHO IS REPORTING LIVE IN LITTLE VILLAGE AS PART OF OUR "IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD SERIES".

>> JOANNA?

>> THANKS.

WE'RE HERE WITH MIKE TORRES MENTORING COORDINATING AT NEW LIFE CENTERS OF CHICAGOLAND.

HOW ARE YOU DOING?

>> WELL.

>> I'M GLAD THAT YOU ARE HERE WITH US.

YOU ARE A LONGTIME RESIDENT OF LITTLE VILLAGE.

WHAT DREW YOU TO SPORTSMEN TORING AND WORKING WITH THE YOUTH?

>> I THINK GIVEN I AM A LIFELONG COMMUNITY MEMBER I GREW UP PLAYING SPORTS.

I CAME ACROSS MENTORS THAT I CONTINUE TO TALK TO AND SEEK ADVICE FROM.

SO IT'S MY SENSE OF GIVING BACK.

>> THAT'S GREAT.

FOR THOSE WHO DON'T KNOW WHAT NEW LIFE IS WHAT PROGRAMS DOES YOUR ORGANIZATION OFFER?

>> THE NEW LIFE CENTERS OFFERING MENTORING SERVICES THROUGH SPORTS, THROUGH WE HAVE A PANTRY SERVICE.

WE HAVE GIRLS PROGRAMS.

BOYS PROGRAMS.

PROGRAMS THAT IS HUMBOLDT PARK AND LITTLE VILLAGE OFFERS MENTORING IN-SCHOOL SERVICES WHERE WE SPEND TIME INSIDE OF SCHOOLS TO WORK WITH YOUTH THAT MAY BE STRUGGLING A BIT.

SO WE PROVIDE A SAFE PLACE WHERE WE CAN HAVE CONVERSATIONS.

>> AND TALKING ABOUT STRUGGLING WHAT ARE THE THINGS THAT YOUTH ARE STRUGGLING RIGHT NOW?

WE KNOW THE PANDEMIC HAS BEEN TOUGH.

>> WELL, IN PARTICULAR NOW, THERE IS A SENSE OF ANXIETY, STRESS.

THAT COMES ALONG WITH HEALTH RELATED CONCERNS.

AND I BELIEVE THAT SPORTS PROVIDES THAT SENSE OF RELEASE OF THAT STRESS.

>> CAN YOU SEE A DIFFERENCE WITH THE YOUTH WHEN THEY COME TO ONE OF THE SPORTS PROGRAMS?

HOW DO THEY INTERACT?

HOW DO YOU SEE THEM WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE YOU SEE?

>> I THINK THEY'VE BEEN HUNGRY FOR A PLACE TO BE ABLE TO BE THEMSELVES.

WITHIN OUR SPACES, WE PRACTICE THE SENSE OF RESILIENCY WHERE WE DEVELOP CERTAIN LIFE SKILLS OR WITHIN SPORTS AND THOSE SKILLS THEN TRANSFER OVER TO SCHOOL RELATED SITUATIONS OR AT HOME OR OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROOM.

>> AND WHAT ARE THE THINGS YOU LOVE ABOUT THE PROGRAMS?

WHY DO YOU ENJOY WHAT ARE THE THINGS YOU ENJOY ABOUT THE PROGRAMS?

>> I SEE MYSELF IN A LOT OF THE YOUTH.

GROWING UP PLAYING BASKETBALL.

I ENJOY SEEING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE YOUTH THROUGH SPORTS.

THEY BECOME STRONGER.

THEY BECOME MORE RESILIENT TO WHATEVER IT IS THEY COME ACROSS EVERY SINGLE DAY.

BUT, YEAH, THE SMILE ON THEIR FACES EVEN THOUGH THEY MIGHT BE WEARING A MASK YOU CAN SEE THE SMILE IN THEIR EYES THAT IS WHAT I LOVE.

>> DO YOU SEE THAT MORE AND MORE KIDS ARE TRYING TO JOIN OR LOOKING FOR WAYS TO BRING THE YOUTH INTO THE PROGRAMS LIKE THIS ONE?

>> YEAH, THERE IS A RECRUITING PROCESS WE WILL GO OUT TO SCHOOLS AND PROVIDE A PRESENCE SO THEY KNOW WHO WE ARE AND WORD OF MOUTH THEY WILL GET THEIR FRIENDS TO PARTICIPATE.

>> THANK YOU.

LAST QUESTION.

HOW CAN PARENTS OR YOUTH GET INVOLVED IN THE PROGRAM?

>> I THINK AN EASY WAY WOULD BE TO FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA NEW LIVE CENTERS.ORG ALL THE INFORMATION IS ON THERE.

BUT WE'RE ON 27TH AND LAWNDALE.

I THINK THEY CAN COME INTO OUR OFFICES AND ASK QUESTIONS WHAT WE DO.

IF NOT EVEN PARTICIPATE IN OUR PROGRAMS.

>> THANK YOU FOR JOINING US AS WE CELEBRATE MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY.

THANK YOU.

THAT IS ALL FOR US HERE IN LITTLE VILLAGE.

I WISH EVERYONE A HAPPY MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY AS WE CONTINUE TO CELEBRATE HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH.

>> UP NEXT, THE BEARS TAKE ON THE BENGALS AT SOLDIER FIELD.

WE WILL HAVE A PREVIEW AND A GAME PREDICTION.

FIRST, A LOOK AT EVENTS HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND... >> AFTER AN OPENING WEEKEND PRIMETIME THRASHING COURTESY OF THE LA RAMS THE BEARS ARE HOPING TO BOUNCE BACK AT HOME AGAINST THE CINCINNATI BENGALS SUNDAY.

AS HOMETOWN FANS GROW IMPATIENT ABOUT NAGY'S DECISION NOT TO START QUARTERBACK JUSTIN FIELDS.

[♪♪♪] >> AND JOINING US TO TALK ABOUT THAT LOSS AND PREVIEW THE GAME IS JAMES "BIG CAT" WILLIAMS.

FORMER OFFENSIVE LINEMAN FOR THE CHICAGO BEARS FROM 1991-2002.

BIG CAT GREAT TO SEE YOU.

THE GAME WENT ACCORDING TO YOUR PREDICTION WHAT WENT WRONG HERE?

>> WELL, I THINK YOU HAD A DEFENSE THAT DID NOT COME OUT FOR THE FIRST GAME OF THE SEASON READY TO PLAY.

AND AN OFFENSE THAT SEEMED TO BE WORRIED ABOUT THE OFFENSIVE LINE.

THEY SEEMED TO COME IN WITH A GAME PLAN TO DUMP THE BALL UP AND DOWN THE FIELD THINKING THE DEFENSE WAS GOING TO BE ABLE TO KEEP THE RAMS OUT OF THE END ZONE AND NEITHER ONE OF THOSE THINGS HAPPENED WELL ENOUGH TO WIN THE GAME.

>> AND THE DEFENSE, THEY GAVE UP GIANT PLAYS.

MATT STAFFORD THE QB FOR LA HAD AN AMAZING DAY.

ARE THESE THINGS FIXABLE FOR WEEK TWO?

OR ARE BEAR FANS STUCK WITH A SUBPAR DEFENSE?

>> I THINK SOME OF THE THINGS ARE FIXABLE BUT THEY HAVE TO BE FIXED INTERNALLY.

SOME WHEN YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT MISTAKES IN THE SECONDARY, ALLOWING A 67-YARD AND 54-YARD TOUCHDOWN AND NO SIGN OF REAL GOOD PASS RUSH YOU GET ONE SACK THROUGH THE COURSE OF THE GAME.

NOT A LOT OF PRESSURES.

AND THESE THINGS TEND TO BUILDUP.

AND WE SAW THEM BUILDUP IN THE FIRST GAME OF THE SEASON AND IT MADE THAT OFFENSE LOOK KIND OF OLD AND THAT IS ONE OF THE THINGS THAT YOU ARE WORRIED ABOUT WITH A DEFENSE WITH THAT MANY VETERANS ON IT.

>> AND SOME OF THE SUPERSTARS LIKE EDDIE JACKSON SAFETY HE IS ONLY IN HIS FOURTH YEAR, KHALIL MACK ARE THEY THE SAME PLAYERS?

>> YOU WOULD LIKE TO THINK THEY ARE.

YOU WOULD LIKE TO THINK THAT MACK JUST HAD A BAD GAME.

BUT WE'LL SEE VERSUS CINCINNATI.

THAT'S A GOOD OFFENSE AND THEY HAVE WEAPONS.

BUT THEY HAVE TO STEP IT UP DEFENSIVELY.

EDDIE JACKSON, HE IS A GUY THAT WENT OUT THERE AND GOT HIS MONEY AND NOW BEARS FANS NEED TO SEE HIM PLAY LIKE WHAT HE IS PAID.

>> DO YOU THINK THE OFFENSIVE LINE PROBLEMS ARE FIXABLE?

YOU MENTIONED THERE'S BIG TIME INJURY ISSUES.

HOW ARE THEY GOING TO FIX THAT FOR WEEK TWO?

>> I DON'T KNOW IF IT'S FIXABLE GOING INTO WEEK TWO.

YOU KNOW YOU'RE STILL NOT SURE TODAY'S THURSDAY AND WE'RE NOT SURE EXACTLY WHO THE STARTER IS GOING TO BE AT LEFT TACKLE.

NOT SURE WHO THEY ARE GOING TO PUT THERE.

BUT I THINK IT'S UP TO MATT NAGY BEING THE OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR TO DO THINGS THAT ARE HELPFUL TO THE OFFENSIVE LINE AS FAR AS SCHEME WISE WHETHER THEY ARE GOING TO RUN, GET THE QUARTERBACK OUTSIDE OF THE POCKET AND YOU KNOW, TRY AND BUY HIM SOMETIME THAT WAY.

OR LEAVING BOTH TIGHT-ENDS TO MAX PROTECT AND ONLY TWO MEN LEFT.

>> AND THAT MIGHT MEAN ANOTHER DINGING AND DUNKING, AND JUSTIN FIELDS CAME IN FOR A COUPLE PLAYS AND SCORED A TOUCHDOWN.

DO YOU AGREE WITH THE WAY THEY ARE USING HIM HERE BRINGING HIM IN SPARINGLY?

>> EVERY TIME A YOUNG QUARTERBACK IS ABLE TO GET ON THE FIELD ACTION, NFL EXPERIENCE IS GOOD.

I WOULD HAVE LIKED TO HAVE SEEN THEM USE MORE IN PACKAGES AS FAR AS MAYBE GIVING HIM A SERIES HERE OR A SERIES THERE.

I LISTEN TO THE EXCOACH TALK THE OTHER DAY.

GIVE HIM THE RED ZONE PACKAGES WHERE HIS DUAL THREAT IS GOING TO COME IN HANDY FOR THE BEARS NOT JUST ONE PLAY IN AND OUT.

BUT GIVE HIM A SERIES IN THE RED ZONE.

LET HIM KNOW THAT THIS IS GOING TO BE YOUR SERIES DURING THE CINCINNATI GAME.

AND YOU KNOW, IF IT'S THREE PLAYS, IF IT'S FOUR PLAYS, SIX PLAYS, HE GETS THAT OPPORTUNITY.

>> AND WE'RE LOOKING AT PLAYS FROM THE STARTING QB ANDY TALTON HAS HE PLAYED WELL ENOUGH TO KEEP THE STARTING JOB?

>> IT'S HARD TO SAY.

I DON'T THINK THEY ARE GOING TO SNATCH IT AWAY FROM DALTON AND GIVE IT TO FIELDS.

BUT FOR WHAT THEY ASK DALTON TO DO, DURING THE GAME ON SUNDAY, FIELDS COULD HAVE DONE THAT.

THE DINK AND DUNK PASS NOT ASKING HIM TO READ A LOT ANDY WOULD HAVE GOTTEN MORE OUT OF IT WITH PLAY ACTION ESPECIALLY WITH AS HARD AS MONTGOMERY RAN.

>> AND THAT WAS A BRIGHT SPOT DAVID MONTGOMERY RUNNING THE BALL.

HOW LONG DO YOU THINK NAGY WITH WITHSTAND THE PRESSURE TO PUT THE ROOKIE QB IN IF THE BEARS KEEP LOSING?

>> MATT SEEMS TO BE STEADFAST IN THIS DECISION TO NOT START FIELDS UNTIL IT'S ABSOLUTELY POSITIVELY NECESSARY.

AND YOU KNOW, I DON'T KNOW WHERE THAT FALLS ON HIS TIMETABLE CHART.

BUT IF THEY ARE WILLING TO KEEP ON RUNNING OUT THIS DINK AND DUNK OFFENSE WHY CAN'T YOU PUT FIELDS OUT THERE?

HE GIVESES YOU'S BETTER OPPORTUNITY TO DO MORE THINGS BECAUSE HE HAS THE ABILITY TO MOVE AROUND.

>> HE IS THAT DUEL THREAT.

THE CINCINNATI BEAT THE MINNESOTA VIKINGS.

HOW DO THEY MATCHUP AGAINST THE BEARS.

THEY HAVE A PRETTY GOOD OFFENSE.

>> AND DEFENSIVELY THEY HAVE THE ABILITY TO BRING IT UP FRONT.

THEY WERE ABLE TO PUT A LOT OF PRESSURE ON MINNESOTA.

THEY GOT SEVEN HITS ON THE QUARTERBACK.

THEY HAD SOME THEY WERE ABLE TO EXPOSE THE MINNESOTA VIKINGS SECONDARY A LITTLE BIT AND THAT SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM FOR THE BEARS.

SO THIS COULD BE A CLOSE GAME.

IT SHOULD BE A GOOD GAME, MIGHT BE A HIGH SCORING GAME DEPENDING WHAT THE BEARS DO.

>> SIMILAR MATCHUP LIKE THE BEARS WITH THE RAMS.

YOUR PREDICTION FOR SUNDAY?

>> I AM GOING TO GO WITH THE BEARS BECAUSE I THINK THEY WILL BOUNCE BACK 24-21 BEARS.

>> AND AS YOUR FORMER COACH SMITH SAID WEEK ONE TO WEEK TWO TEAMS CAN MAKE A BIG JUMP.

OUR THANKS TO JAMES "BIG CAT" WILLIAMS.

THANKS SO MUCH.

>> THANKS, PARIS.

>> AND WE'RE BACK TO WRAP THINGS UP RIGHT AFTER THIS.

>> Announcer: "CHICAGO TONIGHT" IS MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY... >> A LONG FOOTBALL SEASON AND THAT IS OUR SHOW FOR THIS THURSDAY NIGHT.

>> PLEASE JOIN US TOMORROW NIGHT AT 7:00 P.M. FOR "THE WEEK IN REVIEW".

FOR ALL OF US HERE AT "CHICAGO TONIGHT" I'M BRANDIS FRIEDMAN.

>> I'M PARIS SCHUTZ.

THANK YOU FOR WATCHING.

STAY HEALTHY AND SAFE AND HAVE A GREAT NIGHT.

[♪♪♪]