Esther Yoon-Ji Kang
Reporter, Race, Class and Communities
Previously, she was the communications manager for the University of Chicago Institute of Politics. Before her time at the IOP, Esther was an editor at Chicago magazine, where she reported, wrote, edited, photographed, designed and produced award-winning stories for the website and print magazine. Prior to Chicago magazine, she worked as a breaking news producer for the Tribune Company. Aside from her work on the web, Esther has covered the Chicago Public Schools and juvenile court beats and has written for various publications. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Northwestern University and has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in the journalism school.
Born in South Korea, she grew up in Paraguay and the Washington, D.C., area. She lives in Chicago with her family.
Stories by Esther Yoon-Ji Kang
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Chicago Activist Says Last Summer’s ‘Racial Reckoning’ Was Everyday Life For Black People
“Usually a reckoning means that there’s deep change underway, and that is not happening,” said Aislinn Pulley of Black Lives Matter Chicago.
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New Report Highlights Rapid Growth Of Asian Americans And Wide Gaps Within The Group
As immigration from Mexico has slowed, a large number of foreign students and high-skilled workers have arrived from India and China.
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Illinois Will Lose One Congressional Seat. How To Redraw The Map Is Next.
The anticipated loss reflects the state’s population slide reported in the latest census. Politicians are gearing up for the battle over who will be the odd-congressman-out.
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How Maps Show The Need For Racial Equity In Chicago’s Road To COVID-19 Recovery
More than two dozen groups are using maps displaying inequality to urge public- and private-sector investment in communities of color.
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Transportation Costs Are A Burden For Low-Income Chicago-Area Residents, Report Finds
Low-income residents spend 16% of their money on transportation, compared to 6% for high-income households.
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Asian And Black Faith Leaders Build Bonds By Reflecting On Their Common Histories
“Both communities have been victims of economic apartheid, economic gerrymandering,” said the Rev. Otis Moss III.
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Unemployment Claims Are The Tip Of The Iceberg Of The Pandemic’s Impact On Black Chicago
One year after the pandemic hit, the city’s Black neighborhoods remain the hardest hit by job loss and its fallout.
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Atlanta Mass Shootings Spark Fear And Anger In Chicago-Area Asian Communities
“Our community is horrified — there’s a lot of fear, anger, just appalled at what’s happened,” said Inhe Choi, of the HANA Center.
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The Chicago Monuments Project Grapples With The Hard History Of Some City Statues
The project’s advisory committee holds its first public webinar on Thursday and seeks partners to host talks about the city’s monuments.
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With Anti-Asian Attacks On The Rise, Webinar Teaches Bystanders How To Help
Chicago groups are leading bystander intervention trainings to teach people ways to help, like creating a distraction when someone is being harassed.
