WVON-AM (Chicago, IL)

By Dr. LaDonna Raeh At 2:32 p.m. on Wednesday, something didn’t make sense. I had just received a phone call from Dr. Mila Marshall, who told me that Gary, Indiana, was experiencing widespread power outages following the devastating storms. As a journalist, my first instinct was to verify the information and see what had already been reported. I searched. Nothing. I searched again. Still nothing. I couldn’t find any meaningful news coverage explaining the severity of what was happening in Gary.

By Logan Paige For 97 years, the Bud Billiken Parade has been one of Chicago’s most anticipated traditions and one of the largest celebrations of African American culture in the country. As summer begins to wind down and families prepare for another school year, the parade brings generations of Chicagoans together on the South Side for a day centered around culture, community, and celebration. A South Side Tradition For the South Side, Bud Billiken represents much more than a parade.

By Leila Battiste Top-ranking Black students nationwide are choosing historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) over Ivy League schools and other predominantly white institutions in record numbers. Applications to institutions such as Spelman College, Morehouse College, and North Carolina A&T have surged, while incoming GPAs continue to climb.

By Leila Battiste In August 2018, Nike quietly removed a balaclava from its website after a wave of intense criticism. The balaclava was shown on a young Black model, and the company was accused of promoting and profiting from harmful stereotypes of Black youth and the aesthetics of gang culture.

By Kaila Patton Visiting the Black Women's Expo was an amazing privilege. I was able to witness the opening ceremony with remarks from Merry Green and state officials. This was my first time attending the Black Women's Expo, and it did not disappoint. Immediately when you walked into the space, you were greeted by smiles, warmth, and Black excellence. There was an atmosphere of joy and celebration that could be felt from the moment the doors opened.

By Dr. LaDonna Raeh Pam Morris-Walton Day July 25th Nope, it’s not Sunday, y’all. I know some of you looked at the calendar and said, “Wait a minute. What happened?” Because when Pam Morris-Walton walked into The Afternoon Show studio, the atmosphere shifted. The music got a little louder. The smiles got a little wider. The room felt warmer. And for a few moments, a weekday afternoon on WVON felt a whole lot like Sunday morning. That is the power of Pam Morris-Walton.

By Melody Spann Cooper A Quiet Leader. A Safer Chicago. Thank You, Superintendent Larry Snelling. Not every leader commands attention with grand speeches or constant headlines. Some lead through consistency, integrity, and results. As Chicago says goodbye to Superintendent Larry Snelling, it is worth taking a moment to recognize a public servant whose leadership quietly made a meaningful difference in the lives of countless residents.

By Logan Paige Governor JB Pritzker Joins WVON’s Rufus Williams for Exclusive Conversation on Illinois’ Future Governor JB Pritzker sat down for an exclusive, wide-ranging interview with WVON’s Rufus Williams, offering insight into Illinois’ current challenges and long-term priorities.

By Melody Spann Cooper A Once-in-a-Lifetime Moment in Rome Last week, I had the extraordinary opportunity to travel to Rome with a group of Chicago business and civic leaders to meet His Holiness Pope Leo. The trip was organized by my friend Robert Blackwell, who had invited me on several occasions before. This time, however, felt different. How often does someone from Chicago become Pope? As I prepared for the trip, I knew I wanted to bring something meaningful.

By Melody Spann Cooper A Once-in-a-Lifetime Moment in Rome Last week, I had the extraordinary opportunity to travel to Rome with a group of Chicago business and civic leaders to meet His Holiness Pope Leo. The trip was organized by my friend Robert Blackwell, who had invited me on several occasions before. This time, however, felt different. How often does someone from Chicago become Pope? As I prepared for the trip, I knew I wanted to bring something meaningful.