Nichelle Nichols blazed a trail from Robbins, Illinois to the Starship Enterprise
Historian Shermann “Dilla” Thomas examines the late “Star Trek” actress’ local roots.
Shermann “Dilla” Thomas
Chicago History Moment with Shermann “Dilla” Thomas
Every other Tuesday, TikTok historian Shermann “Dilla” Thomas joins host Lisa Labuz on the air to explore fascinating stories from Chicago’s past.
Known on social media as @6figga_dilla, Shermann “Dilla” Thomas is a life-long resident of Chicago’s Auburn-Gresham neighborhood. What started as a labor of love for his 8-year-old daughter, Thomas’s TikTok videos grew into a series that focused on Chicago history, attracting thousands of followers along the way. Thomas, who studied English and African-American studies at Eastern Illinois University, has become a household name. Now you can hear him on WBEZ every other Tuesday — at 7:45 a.m. and 2:33 p.m. on 91.5 FM — as he tells fascinating stories from our vibrant city with host Lisa Labuz.
Featured
![]()
The history of Chicago’s thriving Chinatown neighborhood
WBEZ contributor Shermann “Dilla” Thomas talks about the history and future of Chicago’s Chinatown neighborhood.
![]()
Meet “Mr. White Sox,” the first Black player for the south side team
Chicago historian and WBEZ contributor Shermann “Dilla” Thomas looks back at the life and career of White Sox legend, Minnie Miñoso.
![]()
What happened when Dr. King came to Chicago in 1966
WBEZ’s Lisa Labuz and historian Shermann “Dilla” Thomas reflect on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s crusade for Civil Rights for Chicago’s Black population.
![]()
‘All That Jazz’: The music and mayhem of Chicago’s Jazz era
Historian and WBEZ contributor Shermann “Dilla” Thomas looks back at the music and culture of Chicago’s Jazz era with host Lisa Labuz.
![]()
Sweet Home, Chicago: How immigrants shaped the city through sweets
Once the candy-making capital of the world, few candy factories remain in Chicago. Urban historian Shermann “Dilla” Thomas talks about candy manufacturing in Chicago from boom to bust.
![]()
Meet Fred Rice Jr., Chicago’s first appointed African American police superintendent
Harold Washington, Chicago’s first African-American mayor, appointed Rice as the city’s top cop in 1983 and worked to integrate the city’s police department
![]()
How the horrors of public housing inspired the film “Candyman”
Chicago’s neglect of the city’s housing development took on new meaning with each iteration of the horror film. WBEZ’s Lisa Labuz and historian Shermann “Dilla” Thomas reflect on the film’s …
![]()
150 years after the Chicago Fire, its legacy is still etched in our city
Urban historian and WBEZ contributor Shermann “Dilla” Thomas and host Lisa Labuz discuss efforts to rebuild after The Great Chicago Fire.
![]()
Like so many great things, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer comes from Chicago
WBEZ contributor and historian Shermann “Dilla” Thomas and host Lisa Labuz explore Rudolph’s Chicago roots.
![]()
The complicated history of Chicago’s Sauganash neighborhood
Historian Sherman “Dilla” Thomas and WBEZ’s Lisa Labuz discuss the Indigenous history of Chicago’s Sauganash neighborhood.
![]()
How Chicago’s political conventions have altered American history
Chicago has shaped American politics through its political conventions, beyond the notorious 1968 Democratic National Convention.
![]()
