The Wake Up Show Chicago

05/02/2026

Welcome to The Wake Up Show Chicago! 🎙️
Powered by the Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Wind Creek Casino Southland

Today on The Wake Up Show Chicago, Dr. Larry Ivory, LaDonna Raeh, and Lorenzo T. Hughes break down the shifting state of corporations and what it means for Black business owners. Featuring special guest Donald Patterson of Urban Transformation Farms, the conversation explores ownership, sustainability, and how entrepreneurs must position themselves in a changing economic landscape. This powerful discussion also highlights the importance of staying informed, connected, and engaged through the Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel
Call in live at 773-591-1690
Share this conversation and be part of the movement

Powered by the Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce
Sponsored by Wind Creek Casino Southland

If this conversation moved you, educated you, or challenged you — like, comment, share, and subscribe.
And if you’re serious about business growth, advocacy, and access — join the Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce.

Because informed communities build powerful futures. ✊🏽📈

04/18/2026

Welcome to The Wake Up Show Chicago! 🎙️
Powered by the Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Wind Creek Casino Southland

Today on The Wake Up Show Chicago, we’re breaking down what really happened at Lobby Day in Springfield.

From standing united at the State Capitol to walking the House and Senate floors, meeting directly with legislators, and having real conversations with agencies like BEP, CEI, DoIT, DCEO, and the Capital Development Board—this was more than a visit. This was advocacy in action.

We’re talking about access, accountability, and the truth behind the numbers when it comes to Black business participation.

If you’ve ever wondered how decisions are made and why showing up matters, this is the conversation you need to hear.

Call in and join us.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel
Call in live at 773-591-1690
Share this conversation and be part of the movement

Powered by the Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce
Sponsored by Wind Creek Casino Southland

If this conversation moved you, educated you, or challenged you — like, comment, share, and subscribe.
And if you’re serious about business growth, advocacy, and access — join the Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce.

Because informed communities build powerful futures. ✊🏽📈

11/21/2025

Tomorrow’s show is PACKED — like “tryin’ to zip up your suitcase while sitting on it” packed. We’ve got Washington updates, Black business brilliance, and a deep dive into what’s really blocking our solopreneurs from scaling.

🔥 Washington Update with Gregg Willis | Phoenix Strategies

Gregg Willis is stepping into the studio to break down the latest moves out of Washington — what’s shifting, what’s shaking, and what Black-owned businesses need to prepare for as policy winds change. If you care about access, contracts, or government dollars? Yeah… lean in.

🌟 Member Spotlight: Jason Frazier, Owner & Creative Director at iKan Creations

Next up, we’re shining a well-deserved spotlight on Jason Frazier, the creative force behind iKan Creations. From branding magic to visual storytelling that hits you right in the chest, Jason is one of the powerhouses inside our Chamber family — and today, we’re giving him his flowers live on-air.

💼 Feature Segment: Dr. Erica Blakely — The Rise of the Black Solopreneur

Then we’re diving deep into the heartbeat of today’s show: ACCESS.

Dr. Erica Blakely, CPA and Founder of Black Zenith Hub NFP, is here to unpack what she’s learned after working with thousands of small business owners — especially Black solopreneurs grinding with a 9-to-5, raising families, and building something meaningful after hours.

We’ll talk:
• Why we’re not lacking talent, we’re lacking access
• The money, clarity, and guidance gaps hurting solopreneurs
• How the CPA Access Hub is changing the landscape for people earning that extra $700–$1000 a month
• Why traditional CPA, tax prep, and coaching models aren’t enough
• What EVERY Black solopreneur must remember going into 2026

☎️ Call-In Moments

We’re asking listeners to get real about:
• What’s blocking you from starting your business
• Money management struggles
• Tax and deduction confusion
• How many income streams you’re trying to build
• Whether Black entrepreneurs really have equal access

Call us live at (773) 591-1690 and drop your question or testimony.

🎤 About the Show

The Wake Up Show Chicago is where culture meets commerce, and where Black business intelligence meets unapologetic conversation. Powered by the Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce — the voice of 14,000+ Black-owned businesses across the state.

Become a member today and unlock the resources, network, and advocacy you deserve. Go to ilbcc.org

🔥 LIKE | SUBSCRIBE | SHARE
This episode is for every hustler, every builder, every visionary — and every solopreneur trying to turn talent into legacy. Let’s wake up, Chicago. ✨

11/01/2025

The BEP Breakdown: When Inclusion Systems Exclude Us

Today on The Wake Up Show Chicago with Dr. Larry Ivory and LaDonna Raeh, we’re exposing how the very system meant to create opportunity for Black-owned businesses may now be blocking it.

The state’s Business Enterprise Program (BEP) was designed to ensure equity in state contracting. But after a controversial contract awarded to Vivian USA, the BEP system no longer integrates with key procurement tools — leaving thousands of certified minority businesses invisible to the state.

We’re asking:
Who made this decision?
Why was the selection committee overruled?
And how much has our community lost as a result?

🎙️ Tune in to WVON 1690 AM or listen worldwide on iHeartRadio.
📺 Watch and subscribe:
📞 Call in live: (773) 591-1690
💼 Powered by the Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce
🎰 Sponsored by Wind Creek Casino Southland

09/19/2025

This week, we’re breaking down Marketing, Media, and Money—the three pillars every business owner needs to thrive. Joining us are two incredible women:

✨ Amber Payton – Marketing strategist bringing insights on how entrepreneurs can stretch their dollars, avoid pitfalls, and make their message stick.

✨ Dr. Erica Blakely, CPA – Founder of Black Zenith Hub and Your Select CPA, making financial strategies easy to understand while showing how business ownership can create generational wealth. She’s also a patented inventor and mentor to thousands of entrepreneurs nationwide.

Of course,LaDonna Raeh will be talking about media!

We’ll also take a moment to highlight the success of the recent Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce Conference, celebrating the panels, networking, and opportunities that came out of it.

📞 Call in live at (773) 591-1690 to share your thoughts: Which is harder in business—Marketing, Media, or Money?

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for exclusive content—it won’t cost you a thing!

📍 Powered by the Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce
🎰 Sponsored by Wind Creek Casino Southland
📻 Live every Saturday at 9:00 AM on WVON 1690 AM and streaming worldwide on iHeartRadio


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06/24/2025

Tune in today...

🔥TODAY! Larry Ivory -The Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce joins The Afternoon Show!

04/01/2025

04/01/2025

03/29/2025

Get ready for the show at 9AM CDT...happening NOW

🎙️ This Week on The Wake Up Show ChicagoHosts Larry Ivory and LaDonna Raeh dive into one of the most urgent and eye-opening topics of our time: AI Gentrific...