Illinois Soul

09/08/2026

Abraham Bolden was born and raised in East St. Louis, Illinois. In 1961, he became the first Black Secret Service agent assigned to a US president's security detail..

Bolden was preparing to testify before the Congressional commission investigating JFK's assassination when he became the subject of an investigation, which eventually led to prison. Nearly 60 years later, he was pardoned by President Joe Biden.

IPM's David Pierce spoke with Bolden. His mini-documentary, including an interview with Bolden, is online. It was filmed and edited by Jenny Shi.

Catch the encore episode of Illinois Soul Dialogue tonight at 6 PM on 101.1 FM and 90.9 HD2. You can also stream it anytime at illinoissoul.org. 🎙️

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign College of Media at Illinois University of Illinois Black Alumni Network

09/07/2026

Observed on the first Monday in September, Labor Day is an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers✨

The holiday is rooted in the late nineteenth century, when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity, and well-being.

Today, enjoy the fruits of your labor! We’re playing all the & soul music you need💜

📻 101.1FM | 90.9 HD2 | streaming at illinoissoul.org

Credit: US Department of Labor


University of Illinois College of Media at Illinois Black Alumni Network

09/06/2026

We are honored to be a part of the 4th Annual Black Mental Health & Wellness Conference!

Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Parkland College | 2400 W. Bradley Avenue

This annual conference is dedicated to advancing mental health awareness, wellness, education, and community empowerment. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue, participate in informative sessions, and access resources that promote emotional well-being and personal growth.

Registration is now open. Please reserve your place and join us for a day of education, connection, and meaningful engagement.

Register here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/HPyeyztGdR

09/05/2026

Dr. Anthony Sullers stopped by the studio to share his My Top Five R&B artists for Illinois Soul. 🎶

Who would make your top five? Drop your favorite R&B artist in the comments, then tag someone whose list you need to see. 👇

09/05/2026

We are pulling up to the Shades of Melanin Day Party today! ✨

Join Illinois Soul in supporting this scholarship fundraiser, celebrating community, and enter for a chance to win tickets to our anniversary concert with Kindred the Family Soul! Find us in the building and sign up for our newsletter with your email address to enter the raffle.

Come celebrate, support scholarships, and you might just leave with tickets. 🎉



University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign College of Media at Illinois

09/04/2026

🚨 NEW ON FUNKY FRIDAYS! 🚨

Illinois Soul has the HOUSE MUSIC heat! 🏠🎶 Turn it up, move your feet, and let’s get this weekend started right! 🔥💃🏾🕺🏾

Catch the Funk Ride at Five for a full hour of uninterrupted music, straight through 6 PM! 🎧⏰ Tune in to Funky Fridays and hear how we get down!

Listen on 101.1 FM, 90.9 HD2, or stream anytime at illinoissoul.org 📻💻

Share this page with your friends and bring the whole crew along for the ride! 📲✨



University of Illinois Black Alumni Network College of Media at Illinois

09/03/2026

Get your tickets to see Somi perform inside the Colwell Playhouse on Thursday, September 17 at 7:30 PM at krannertcenter.com 🔥🎷

Known for her original blend of modern jazz with popular and African music, and the innate poetry of her songwriting that often gives voice to issues of social justice, Somi’s exquisite artistry will be on full display as she returns to Krannert Center to celebrate the release of her recording What Does it Take to Bloom.

From Grammy nominations, Jazz Music and NAACP Image awards, to a Doris Duke Artist Award, this Champaign native is an East African Midwestern girl who loves family, poetry, and freedom 💜

College of Fine & Applied Arts at Illinois

09/01/2026

🎶💜

NPR Music culture critic and reporter Rodney Carmichael ruminates on the latest in rap culture. This week: like-minded releases from Erykah Badu and Saul Williams, closure in the 2Pac murder and more.

09/01/2026

Mural Honoring Tuskegee Airmen Unveiled in Rantoul

The Champaign County African American Heritage Trail and the Experience Champaign-Urbana Foundation unveiled a new mural honoring the Tuskegee Airmen.

Created by multidisciplinary artist Dwight White II, the mural pays tribute to the service, courage, excellence, and sacrifice of the Tuskegee Airmen while recognizing Rantoul’s meaningful place in their story through the former Chanute Field.

The project carries particular significance as part of the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, honoring African Americans whose contributions remain essential to the nation’s story while preserving Rantoul’s connection to the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen for future generations.

The mural was made possible through grant support from the Illinois Arts Council. The project partners also extend their sincere appreciation to Sherwin-Williams, United Rentals, The H.O.Y.C.E. Center, 718 Real Estate, Tuskegee Airmen Mural Project Committee, Cargo Plumbing, the Village of Rantoul, Oesfreelancing Graphic Design, and family members of Tuskegee Airmen for helping bring the mural to life.

Dwight White II
Experience Champaign-Urbana
Illinois Arts Council
40 North 88 West
America250