Sam Moy and the mayors of Chicago’s Chinatown
WBEZ’s Lisa Labuz and historian Shermann “Dilla” Thomas discuss the history of Chicago’s Chinatown neighborhood at the turn of the 20th century.
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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.
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‘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.
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The history of Chicago’s thriving Chinatown neighborhood
WBEZ contributor Shermann “Dilla” Thomas talks about the history and future of Chicago’s Chinatown neighborhood.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 real-life origins.
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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.
