Greetings,
Welcome to February —
While we are not blind to the inhumane atrocities unfolding across our country—and we address them daily through our personal platforms—we remain committed to guiding our readers toward the good life. For that reason, we will not give credence, power, or space in the pages of South Side Drive Magazine to the fascism taking hold throughout our nation.
We deeply appreciate your continued engagement with South Side Drive Magazine online at www.SouthSideDriveMag.com. Our brief print pause allowed us to reassess our business model and clarify our next chapter, which is now strengthened by a Journalism and Storytelling Grant from the Field Foundation of Illinois.
This support helps us grow as a community-rooted media hub — informing, inspiring, and uplifting our neighbors while creating economic pathways for local talent and businesses. The grant aligns with Field Foundation’s mission to fill gaps in local news and ensure stories reflective of Chicago’s most marginalized communities are told with care and authenticity.
We’re grateful to return to print with our Black History Month issue — though for us, Black history is every day. In fact, we’re declaring this Black History Year. February is also the month of love — of candy, flowers, thoughtful cards, and saying “I love you” out loud. It’s a time to cherish family and friends because tomorrow is never promised. With a heart for every human being, focusing on the communities we serve, lift up the phrase “Black on Black Love,” coined by our managing editor, Emma Young, as both mantra and mission.
This issue’s cover is deeply personal — a love note to my mother and our community. We lost my only brother, Steve, 26 years ago this month. Three years older, he taught me to sing, dance, and live with fairness, compassion, and fearlessness. An extraordinary artist, an oil painting he created at just 17 — more than fifty years ago — graces our cover. It reminds us of the ageless power of art to heal and to reflect the brilliance of our Black boys.
It is time for intergenerational healing. Our families carry grief, loss, and the weight of today’s world. In this issue, we lean into the healing power of the arts. House music pioneer Chip E. reminds us that we are all Americans, echoing Langston Hughes: “I, too, sing America.” His reflections ground us in pride and possibility.
We also celebrate young entrepreneurs claiming their piece of the American dream at the Legacy Awards weekend gala and feature an inspiring conversation with founder Keeana Barber, whose commitment to uplifting Generation Alpha entrepreneurs can be measured in dollars and sense.
When people think of Black history, they often think nationally, yet many groundbreaking heroes and sheroes made history right here on Chicago’s South Side. That’s why we continue documenting and preserving our local legacy. Visit us online and tell us whose stories we should include next.
The Field Foundation’s impact extends beyond journalism. In partnership with the Illinois Department of Human Services, they distributed $4.3 million through the Healing Illinois program, supporting placemaking and place-keeping statewide. Their work echoes Tonika Lewis Johnson, whose storytelling preserves neighborhood narratives. From our home base at The Quarry in South Shore, we proudly champion that same commitment.
Healing also shows up in quieter forms. The art of quilting — stitched deeply into African American tradition — brings comfort and care. We highlight Needles and Threads and spotlight Zakayia Williams respected as a community advocate, and staunch supporter of the arts.
Finally, we’re thrilled to welcome Floyd Webb to our editorial team — a prolific writer, author, and film curator guiding readers to “the good life” each month through thoughtful storytelling.
Thank you for reading and sharing out work, and thank you for continuing this journey with us — online and in print.
With gratitude,
Yvette Moyo
