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Happy Monday!
I’m Chasity Cooper, the Newsletter Associate here at the Reader and I’m really happy you opened today’s Daily Reader. 
Growing up, I remember Black History Month as a time dedicated to honoring past achievements of notable African Americans. School assignments from elementary to high school required me to reflect on the importance of Dr. King’s dream, ruminate on the significance of Rosa Parks refusing to give up her seat on the bus, study the powerful words of Dr. Maya Angelou, and even marvel at Michael Jordan’s GOAT-worthy athleticism.
But as I’ve gotten older, (and learned much more about Black history beyond slavery and the Civil Rights Movement) I’ve come to view these 28 days as an opportunity to contemplate the past, yes – but also to honor the current strides of Black Americans who are making a difference in communities across the country.
And here in Chicago, those stories are vast, multi-dimensional, and inspirational.
With that, every Monday this month, the section titled Reader Rewind will highlight stories of yesteryear and the present – specifically about Black culture here in Chicago. For instance, during last night’s 65th GRAMMY Awards, the tribute to hip-hop performance (while amazing) was notably missing representation from Chicago. Today’s selection of Reader Rewind stories shed light on our city’s continued contributions to the 50-year-old genre.
From film and theater, to arts and culture, I’m excited to explore the Reader’s extensive archives and amplify stories that should be celebrated not just during Black History Month, but all year round. And even after February is done, you can expect to see the Reader Rewind showcase Chicago’s rich history, and why it remains such a dynamic and dope place to call home.
So I invite you to keep scrolling, learn something new, and share this newsletter with a friend or two.
Take care,
Chasity
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