FYI...

Before pursuing a career in social work, I envisioned myself as a journalist, film producer, screenwriter—a storyteller. Over my 29 years, I’ve been fortunate to explore those passions in meaningful ways. I’ve written for music blogs and publications, worked on independent films, provided production assistance for a syndicated TV show, contributed to two anthology series, and taught literary arts to children from my birthplace.

Writing will always be a part of who I am—it’s in my bones. As griots, we carry the responsibility of preserving voices and stories that might otherwise go unheard. Below is a collection of work I’ve created across the many chapters of my journey.

creative.tings.

52 — Free Spirit Media

A neighborhood concocted from a traumatic past, North Lawndale never had a chance. In the 1900s, European immigrants moved to the neighborhood and built their own community, followed by Russian Jews. By the 1960s, Black people began to move in, resulting in “white flight” and disinvestment. So Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. moved his family out west and decided that North Lawndale would be the perfect stomping ground to raise awareness in the North about the Civil Rights Movement. At the time, like...

OP-ED: I find it ironic that I feel targeted in a place whose history is one of displacement. — Free Spirit Media

I kinda love my block, but sometimes it  feels like a sundown town.  I moved to Little Village on a whim because my last apartment was sold to new owners. Planted in the middle of the city, I’ve come to love that I can almost travel anywhere easily. When it’s nice out, I like to window shop at Campo Santo, a flower shop right down the street from my house garnished with a huge “coffee” sign. My favorite sound is the rooster two doors down that cock-a-doodle’s its voice on my deck when I tan in t...

Opinion: A Dream Deferred: How Opioids Captured a Community — Free Spirit Media

When I was a little girl I lived on the South Side of Chicago. My family and I would wake up early every Sunday morning and trudge our way to Austin Church of Christ, my papa’s small little church on the West Side, wearing our Sunday’s best clothes. On our way there we always passed this hotel planted on the corner of W. Jackson Blvd. and S. Sacramento Blvd. Fast-forward to a few days ago, on my way home, I passed the hotel again. I completely forgot about its existence until I saw the huge sign...

What To Eat When You Landed Yourself in Pilsen — Free Spirit Media

My favorite place to go after a late night out dancing or just a regular Sunday afternoon. Los Comales was founded by Camerino Gonzalez in 1973. Initially, the delicious taco joint that has served my drunken rambunctious friends after a party, started out as a small taco stand style restaurant in Little Village. By the 80s, it expanded in Pilsen, then by the 90s, multiple locations opened throughout Chicago and Chicagoland suburbs. Although they have multiple locations, my favorite is in Pilsen!...

Marlena Wadley — Oak Park and River Forest High School

A lover of all things artistic. Marlo is a recent graduate from UIC who is passionate about media and communications. As a Chicago native, she comes from a melting pot of cultures, music, art, and people. With a degree in Communications and a concentration in Journalism, she has studied storytelling. She uses her experiences and environment to create content that is heartfelt, entertaining, and well-needed. With an eye for cultivation, creativity, and innovation, she plans to dominate the media...