This event took place as part of Chicago Public Radio’s “Winter Block Party,” celebrating Chicago’s hip-hop arts. Featuring a live mural painting by Revise CMW, one of Chicago’s finest graffiti artists; an open mic showcase; music by DJ Itch13 and DJ Issues; and a debut gallery exhibition of works-for-sale by some of Chicago’s most notable contemporary artists.

Participating artists included: Krista Franklin, Zeph, Brett Neiman, Kane, Novem Studios, Roper, Revise CMW, Rebekah Raleigh, Sam Adams, Stephanie Land, James “Casper” Jankowiak, Sandra Ivelisse Antongiorgi, David Dawood Rasool Robinson, Rebecca Crouch, Caesar Perez, Mike Bolsinga, Shawn Smith, Veggiesomthing, and Kuumba Lynx.

The “Open Mic Academy: The State of Our Union” featured Idris Goodwin and Poetry Slam Champion Roger Bonair-Agrad, and was curated by Kevin Coval. This event was co-hosted by Young Chicago Authors and The Public Square, a program of the Illinois Humanities Council. 

“The State of Our Union” is part of The Public Square’s Looking for Democracy series, made possible in part by the Woods Fund of Chicago.