Greetings:

Welcome to Summertime Chi.  For us, it’s the most wonderful time of year. One thing we’ve learned from recent Chicago weather – climate change is real.  However, even the 80- and 90-degree weather won’t stop south-siders from coming out and enjoying the outdoors, the lakefront, and the gatherings centered around family, food, art, and culture. Be sure to wear light-colored clothes and stay well- hydrated.  And when the temps reach into the hundreds, it’s time to get indoors; we prefer The Quarry to enjoy the technology of air-conditioning.

On the cover is Chicago’s own Oscar Brown, Jr., who would be turning one hundred years old in October of this year.  Before hip hop there was Oscar Brown Jr. Read the article in this issue and find out why he’s called “the Granpap of rap.”

July and August have a wealth of festivals and events to look forward to, and of course as we guide you toward the good life, we’ve provided a rundown of some of the major south side events coming up that you’ll enjoy attending with the entire family and will be most comfortable attending solo. Either way, enjoy!

One event that is so near and dear to my heart and is no longer on the South Side is the Chicago Gospel Fest.  We kept it out of this year’s lineup so I could bring it to you here. Founded by one of the South Side Drive Magazine’s occasional contributing writers, Sasha Daltonn, it began under the administration of our beloved Mayor Harold Washington and was held at the South Shore Cultural Center. Because of its massive attendance, it was moved to Grant Park.  This year it will take place in downtown Millennium Park at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion on Friday, July 24 and Saturday, July 25.  The outstanding lineup will include Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Hezekiah Walker, and Ricky Dillard, and the groove will be amazing. 

You’ll love the festival lineup in this issue, which includes the annUal South Shore Fest, announcing national talent soon. And, and if you plan to attend the BeWe Expo, you’ll get a chance to experience the Obama Presidential Center, which is the location of the Phenomenal Women event, Thursday, July 30th. The next evening is our regular South Shore Friday Jazz at the Quarry, with Toca Live and phenomenal vocalists, Angela Walton and Juan Coleman, the day before the South Shore High 10th Annual All-Class Picnic at Rainbow Beach. 

Just in case you noticed that love is in the air, that’s because for the second year in a row, we designated July as Black Love Month.  This month we pay tribute to four iconic South Side couples who are now ancestors.  We know of their contributions, but their love stories, business and community-building stories are worth understanding. As you read, think about young couples today, building similar legacies, to be accelerated with your support. 

When we think of being fashion informed over the decades, Barbara Bates’ Designs quickly come to mind, not only because of her unique designs, fashion shows, and custom clothing for athletes and stars, but also because of her activism around community concerns, especially breast cancer.  Our writer and Social Media Associate, Jaelyn Logan, shares a bit of that history beautifully.

Finally, I’m sure everyone will agree that voting is one of the most important things any citizen can do, and right now it’s more crucial than ever.  That’s why we are proud to present the article, written by Devorah Crable, that highlights a new bill, just signed by Governor J.B. Pritzker, and sponsored by our Illinois State Senator Robert Peters, that ups the voting power in Illinois to include high school grads, and in Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr’s name.

Sadly, the Quarry’s resident percussionist, band leader and great friend, Tony (TOCA) Carpenter, lost his beautiful mother. Read about Rev Opal Carpenter’s faith, talent and service in this issue.

Enjoy your summer, get out and support our south side festivals and businesses, and stay safe.