Civic News:

• Evanston Reparations Update

  In February 2026, the City of Evanston announced it will distribute $25,000 direct cash payments to 44 eligible Black residents through its Reparations Program. The funding is part of Evanston’s historic $10 million commitment to address housing discrimination and harms experienced by Black residents between 1919 and 1969.
  
  

• NAACP Voter Mobilization: The NAACP has launched a series of town halls to mobilize Black voters ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, focusing on issues like racial inequality and civic engagement. For more information contact: NAACP Evanston Chapter
• https://www.evanstonnaacp.org/

Community & Wellness:

Black Family Wellness Expo
Date & Time: Saturday, March 21, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center, 1655 Foster St.
Description: A free public event empowering families with resources for physical, mental, and financial health. Hosted by The Links, Inc. – North Shore Chapter and Black K.A.R.E.

Music and Entertainment:

Nights of classic R&B and Philadelphia soul featuring two of the most iconic vocal groups in music history.

Ohio Players & The Dazz Band
Date & Time: Friday, March 20, 2026 | 7:30 PM
Location: Genesee Theatre, 203 N Genesee St, Waukegan, IL

The Spinners & The Miracles in Concert
Date & Time: Saturday, March 28, 2026 | 7:00 PM
Location: Genesee Theatre, 203 N Genesee St, Waukegan, IL

Recap of event

The Waukegan Park District celebrated Black History Month with programs that honored African American history, culture and contributions to the community. These experiences created space for learnings, reflection, and community connection. Here's a short video highlight of the celebrations.

2026 HBCU Tour Informational Meetings
Dates: Every Tuesday through March 17, 2026 | 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Location: Waukegan Township, 149 S. Genesee St.
Description: Meetings for students and families interested in the upcoming HBCU college tour.


Arts, Culture & History:
Ongoing Exhibition - Black Heritage Exhibit
Location: Glencoe Historical Society, 375-377 Park Ave.
Description: This award-winning standing exhibit, which earned a 2024 Leadership in History Award, documents the history of Black life in the village. It features the legacy of St. Paul AME Church and figures like Homer Wilson, Glencoe’s first Black homeowner.
Hours: Open Sundays (1:00 PM – 4:00 PM) and Wednesdays (10:00 AM – 3:00 PM). 

Restaurant Spotlight

Free Flow Kitchen, owned by Chef Nina Wade and Nichole Pinkard, recently opened at 1623 Simpson Street in Evanston’s Fifth Ward.

The menu offers breakfast items, sandwiches, salads, soups, and pizzas. The restaurant has a zen vibe with art by Black artists displayed on the walls.

The Tuscan Chicken Sandwich and Strawberry Spinach Chicken Salad were delicious and made with fresh ingredients. Wade cooks seasonally and focuses on quality and freshness.

As the new Foster School opens nearby, Free Flow Kitchen is expected to get busier. Visit now to enjoy the comfort food before the full menu debuts.

Dada’s Soul Brings Authentic Flavor to Zion

Dada's Soul (2744 Sheridan Rd in Zion) is already earning buzz for its authentic blend of soul food and Caribbean cuisine. Known for serving up “real-deal” comfort dishes, the menu features favorites like tender oxtail, smothered pork chops, crispy catfish, and the crowd-pleasing “Better Than Sex Cake.”

With a 4.3-star rating and moderate price range ($10–$20), Dada’s Soul offers flavorful, affordable dining in a welcoming atmosphere. Proudly Black-owned, the restaurant adds vibrant cultural flavor to Zion’s growing culinary scene.

Interesting Facts... Black History in the North Shore

Quote Of The Day

"Life on the North Shore is pretty sweet."

Answer: The Emerson Street YMCA (now part of the McGaw YMCA family and honored through the 

Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center).