The Culture

05/13/2026

👀 Read The Culture's May 13, 2026 print edition online:
https://ourculture.us/print-edition-may-13-2026/

05/10/2026

To the guardians, caretakers, teachers, nurturers, protectors, and givers of life, this is your very special day. Without the sacrifice and dedication from you, our experience on this planet would be much different. There are countless moments of self-transformation from infancy to adulthood, and in each one you stand tall and steady for us to lean on. Thank you for bringing us into the world and keeping us in your hearts. Much love, - Zoé

05/08/2026

“This isn’t just a renovation—it’s an expansion of a home,” said Katherine Buz, MFA’s new executive director and a longtime drama instructor with the organization for more than 20 years.

Upgrades to the century-old former bank at 5th and Lake will expand classrooms, modernize facilities, and preserve a cornerstone of Maywood’s arts community

05/05/2026

The Culture was honored to be present with on Sunday’s entertainment summit 🎬🎥 Attendees experienced such an orchestration of massive names in production and entertainment such as Jamie Turner (exec producer All-American) and Jasheika James (exec. Producer on Bel-Air). From financial business pros to Tony-nominated actors, the theater was over-flowing with energy that screams this city is just getting started!

05/02/2026

We just wrapped up an amazing week with some awesome guests! Steve Robinson from Northwest Austin Council, Claudia Vandiver from Maywood Watchdog, and Danita Patterson from Destiny Unlimited - a lot of good is growing on the West Side!

04/30/2026

NEW EPISODE: What an inspiring conversation with the talented and on The Culture podcast! Their dedication to amplifying Chicago's black culture is truly motivating. Tune in now!

04/23/2026

NEW EPISODE: Looking for a long-term investment for your future?
Business psychologist & Owner of Rutues Center Deondre' Rutues & Director of Fearless Dreamers construction training program Leonard Alexander share their work and vision to instruct on the Westside and create skilled, job-ready tradespeople for growing opportunities in coming years.

Click the link for more info:

Mike Romain discusses the American political landscape with P.Rae Easley, a well-traveled Republican policy advocate on the Westside.

04/17/2026

We all know our communities are only as colorful as the stories we tell about them, and as a Cabrini Green native, Renee Ambrose Van Lee knows this better than anyone. Her poetry & prose holds memory of the Westside’s 80s and 90s, when the candylady and the candyman were neighbors before mainstream folklore🍬 Listen to the full episode in our bio ⬆️

04/16/2026

👀 Read The Culture's April 15, 2026 print edition online
https://ourculture.us/print-edition-april-15-2026/

04/15/2026

🌍Join Mike and Rebecca Cook as they rally up for April 25th’s Green Living Summit to explore how our everyday actions impact the environment, the systems behind our homes and learn how small changes can lead to big impacts. Let’s create a healthier planet together! 🌿

04/08/2026

We enjoyed a beautiful conversation with Debra Vines last week about what raising Autistic awareness takes in the black community and how we can all do our part to eradicate shame around disability.