The Wake Up Show Chicago

01/10/2026

Welcome to The Wake Up Show Chicago!

This show is powered by the Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Wind Creek Casino Southland.

We start the show with a critical **Washington update** from **Aisha Mills** of **Phoenix Strategies**, breaking down what’s really happening in D.C. right now—and what Black communities should be paying attention to *before* it hits the headlines.

Then we shift from power at the top to power at the roots with **Dr. Walter Milton, Jr.**, Founder & CEO of **BH365**. Dr. Milton is the only Black search firm leader staffed entirely by Black professionals and a national voice on education reform, leadership, and teaching Black history **365 days a year**—not just in February.

Dr. Milton shares:

* Why Black History 365 had to exist
* How education leadership shapes outcomes for Black students
* Why controlling our own narratives still makes people uncomfortable
* The truth behind teaching inclusive American history

This episode is about **awareness, ownership, and action**—from Washington to the classroom.

---

# # # 📻 Listen Live

**The Wake Up Show Chicago**
Every Saturday at **9:00 AM**
WVON 1690 AM & streaming worldwide on iHeartRadio

📞 Call in: **(773) 591-1690**

---

# # # 🤝 Powered By

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

If you’re a business owner, educator, or entrepreneur, **membership matters**. Join the Chamber and be part of building Black economic power.

---

# # # 📲 Stay Connected

🔔 Subscribe to our YouTube channel: ****
👍🏽 Share this episode
💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments

---

# # # 🔍 Hashtags




If you’re a business owner wondering how Chamber membership actually works—and where you fit—this episode is your blueprint.

📻 Live Saturdays at 9 AM on WVON 1690 AM
🌍 Streaming worldwide on iHeartRadio
📞 Call-in: (773) 591-1690
📺 Subscribe:

01/03/2026

Welcome to The Wake Up Show Chicago!
This show is powered by the Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Wind Creek Casino Southland.

🎙️ The Wake Up Show Chicago | Inside the 12 Committees Powering Black Business

This episode of The Wake Up Show Chicago breaks down the 12 committees of the Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce and how each one plays a critical role in strengthening Black-owned businesses across Illinois and beyond. Host LaDonna Raeh is joined by Dr. Larry Ivory, President & CEO of the Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce, and guest co-host Lorenzo T. Hughes—actor, director, and certified human trafficking advocate—for a powerful, informative conversation about structure, strategy, and access.

From banking, healthcare, construction, media, PR & marketing, IT, entertainment & sports, retail, youth entrepreneurship, energy, and international trade, this episode explains how the Chamber moves from talk to action.

The show also pauses to honor the memory of Aiden Taylor, the Chamber’s former accountant, recognizing his service and contributions.

If you’re a business owner wondering how Chamber membership actually works—and where you fit—this episode is your blueprint.

📻 Live Saturdays at 9 AM on WVON 1690 AM
🌍 Streaming worldwide on iHeartRadio
📞 Call-in: (773) 591-1690
📺 Subscribe:

12/27/2025

Welcome to The Wake Up Show Chicago!
This show is powered by the Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Wind Creek Casino Southland.

Every Saturday morning at 9 AM, we are LIVE on WVON 1690 AM and streaming everywhere on iHeartRadio.
Subscribe 🔥 The Wake Up Show Chicago | Black Development, Political Power & Chamber Committees That Move the Needle

Good morning, Chicago! On today’s episode of The Wake Up Show Chicago, powered by the Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Wind Creek Casino Southland, we’re talking development, decision-making, and direction—the kind that shapes communities and futures.

We’re joined by Aaron Gunn, Associate Managing Principal of IDG Architects, one of the premier Black-owned K–12 and higher education architecture firms in Illinois. Aaron also serves as a state-appointed Commissioner for the Metropolitan Airport Authority Peoria, which operates Peoria International Airport and Mt. Hawley Regional Airport. He breaks down the upcoming Harry Poe Manor Multi-Family Project in Waukegan, IL, and why Black leadership in development matters now more than ever.

We also sit down with Attorney Robert Johnson to unpack PACs, political influence, and the key political events scheduled for February—because understanding how power moves is part of protecting Black business interests.

Plus, we walk through the 12 committees of the Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce, including IT, Banking, Healthcare, Construction, Black Media/PR/Marketing, Entertainment & Sports, Retail, Youth Entrepreneurship, Energy, and International Trade—showing how membership turns access into action.

We also take a moment to honor the life and legacy of Ayton Taylor, former Chair of International Trade and partner accountant for the Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones.

📻 LIVE every Saturday at 9:00 AM on WVON 1690 AM
🌍 Streaming worldwide on iHeartRadio
📞 Call in: (773) 591-1690
📺 Subscribe:

If you care about Black business, Black development, and Black political power—this episode is for you.

12/20/2025

Welcome to The Wake Up Show Chicago!
This show is powered by the Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Wind Creek Casino Southland.

Every Saturday morning at 9 AM, we are LIVE on WVON 1690 AM and streaming everywhere on iHeartRadio.
Subscribe
Today on The Wake Up Show Chicago on WVON 1690 AM, LaDonna Raeh and Dr. Larry Ivory dig into the real story behind business success—how many times most entrepreneurs actually fail before they win. The conversation moves beyond motivation into strategy, unpacking what it means to stay resilient after being shut down or disqualified by a state agency or gatekeeper. This episode challenges listeners to pivot with facts and figures instead of feelings, using data, documentation, and positioning to turn rejection into redirection. It’s an honest, empowering discussion about resilience, access, and why alignment with the Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce can change the outcome for Black-owned businesses.

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


oney, Q&A) so viewers can jump to what interests them most?

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...