In the 1770s, a Black man named Jean Baptiste Point du Sable became the founder of the place that would eventually be called Chicago. Right away, it became a desirable haven for Black people. In this edition of From the Clay, we trace the magnetic pull of Chicago—from its earliest days as a sanctuary to its modern identity as a cultural capital.
My people, the sheer depth of this heritage destination cannot be contained in one issue. But we are going to dig deeply into the soil that raised Chicago’s legacy of Black media, economic sovereignty, and unyielding cultural pride.
Inside, you’ll journey through the historic migration that built a Black metropolis, and discover the vibrant, Black-owned businesses carrying that torch into the present day.
Born and Raised In Chicago
Jennifer Hudson
Chance The Rapper
Chaka Khan
The Black Metropolis
Jean Baptiste Point du Sable—a Black pioneer of incredible vision—became the first permanent settler to live communally among the Indigenous people near the Chicago River in the 1770s. A strategic businessman who negotiated peace during the Revolutionary War, Du Sable established a settlement that became a sanctuary for Black ambition. By the time the town was formally incorporated in 1833, it was rapidly growing into a haven for those seeking a new life in the Midwest.
Chicago’s early railroad system and coastal location made it ideal for growth. Long before the Civil War, free Black settlers and freedom seekers turned the city into a vital Underground Railroad hub. Anchored by institutions like Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church (1847), Black Chicagoans published anti-slavery literature and established pioneer medical institutions. Among them was Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, who founded Provident Hospital in 1891—the nation's first non-segregated, Black-owned hospital—where he performed one of the world's first successful open-heart surgeries two years later.
Between 1916 and 1940, the initial wave of the Great Migration transformed Chicago into the absolute beating heart of Black America. Driven North by Jim Crow oppression, over 100,000 Black Southerners flooded into the city’s South Side. They packed into a vibrant, self-contained metropolis known as "Bronzeville." At the center of this movement was Robert S. Abbott’s Chicago Defender, alongside fearless investigative journalists like Ida B. Wells, who exposed Southern lynching and demanded racial justice.
Thomas A Dorsey, Father of Gospel Music
Rube Foster, Father of Black Baseball
This era sparked an explosion of culture, commerce, and courage. Pioneers like Bessie Coleman broke barriers in the skies as the first Black female pilot, while Thomas A. Dorsey fused blues and spirit to invent modern gospel music. Simultaneously, political density mobilized voters to elect Oscar DePriest in 1928—the 20th century’s first Black U.S. Congressman.
Black Chicagoans were proving that their sanctuary was also a launchpad to redefine American music, journalism, and political power.
World War II brought a massive influx of migration, swelling Black Chicago past 800,000. This second wave was drawn by unionized factory jobs in steel mills, meatpacking plants, and manufacturing hubs. As families settled across the South and West Sides, the city became the undisputed capital of Black media. John H. Johnson launched Ebony and Jet magazines, capturing the beauty, political urgency, and daily reality of Black life for millions nationwide.
The massive demographic shift transformed Chicago's cultural and political landscape into an unstoppable force. Spiritually and culturally, icons like Mahalia Jackson refined modern gospel right in Bronzeville's sanctuaries, while the community used its sheer voting density to challenge the city’s entrenched political machine.
Obama Presidential Center
Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church
As Black power grew, so did the resistance against it. In the 1960s, city planners intentionally routed the 12-lane Dan Ryan Expressway through the South Side, slicing through Bronzeville to physically enforce segregation. Meanwhile, systemic state violence targeted revolutionaries like Fred Hampton, Chairman of the Illinois Black Panther Party, whose radical coalition-building threatened the political establishment.
But concrete could never bury the brilliance of this soil. It is the city where Michael Jordan redefined global culture and athleticism, where Harold Washington broke the machine to become mayor in 1983, and where President Obama’s legacy is enshrined at his Presidential Center on the South Side.
The unbroken lineage flows straight through modern visionaries—from heavyweights like Chance the Rapper and Jennifer Hudson amplifying our artistic voice, to political leaders like former Mayor Lori Lightfoot, media powerhouses like Jacqueline Harrington, and the fearless entrepreneurs rebuilding Bronzeville’s historic streets. Chicago was built on Black ambition, and as you will see throughout this issue, that foundation is as unshakeable as ever.
Chef Rome, Owner and Founder of Peach’s Restaurant
Your Three-Day Itinerary
Friday: Heritage & Relaxation
8:00 AM | (Breakfast at Peach’s) Get your first taste of Chicago by having breakfast at Peach’s. Chef Cliff Rome—often spotted wearing his signature "Art Dept" hat—treats every plate like a canvas, serving up iconic dishes like duck bacon pancakes and skillet scrambles. By the way, President Obama handpicked Chef Rome to lead food services at the nearby Obama Presidential Center campus.
9:45 AM | (Museum) Celebrate over 65 years of legacy at the DuSable Black History Museum. It offers over 15,000 historical artifacts for viewing, which emphasize topics of freedom and resilience in the African American community. Check the website ahead of time to purchase tickets and see if you meet the requirements for free admission or group discounts.
12:00 PM | (Spa) Unwind right in the heart of Hyde Park at Bettye O Day Spa, Chicago's premier Black-owned luxury day spa. Established in 1978 by pioneer Bettye Odom, this historic sanctuary specializes in high-end facials, custom massages, and body treatments tailored specifically for deep relaxation. Booking your individual or group treatments ahead of time ensures a seamless pampering experience.
3:00 PM | (Check In) We recommend Sophy Hotel Hyde Park for a luxurious stay. It’s a sophisticated boutique hotel where luxury meets South Side soul. From art-adorned walls featuring local Chicago creators to a warm staff that makes you feel immediately at home, SOPHY offers an effortless blend of cultural richness and modern elegance.
7:00 PM | (Dinner & Night Life) Conclude your day in the vibrant, design-forward atmosphere of Bronzeville Winery. This Black-owned culinary hotspot pairs seasonal comfort dishes with an intentionally curated list of minority-owned wines. Designed around a state-of-the-art sound system, the space regularly hosts live vinyl DJs and musicians to soundtrack an unforgettable Friday night.
Saturday: Storytelling & Legacy
8:30 AM | (Breakfast at Batter & Berries) Start your morning at South Loop’s vibrant Batter & Berries, a Black-owned culinary favorite known for its warm hospitality and uniquely Chicago menu. Indulge in their famous French toast flights—featuring seasonal flavors like blueberry, strawberry, lemon, and sweet potato—to fuel up for a full day of neighborhood history.
10:30 AM | (Bronzeville Tour & Walk) Meet urban historian Sherman "Dilla" Thomas called “an astonishing intellectual” by one reviewer and experience his insightful Bronzeville Tour. Sign up ahead of time on the website and experience a one of a kind tour through historic Bronzeville. Following your tour, take a self-guided stroll along the Bronzeville Walk of Fame, which features bronze plaques embedded in the sidewalk honoring over 90 influential Black residents of this historic neighborhood. Spanning ten blocks from 25th to 35th Streets, this outdoor landmark honors the neighborhood’s historic legacy.
2:00 PM | (Obama Presidential Library) Spend your afternoon taking in the sights at the Obama Presidential Center campus in historic Jackson Park. Stroll through the scenic outdoor park spaces, admire the grand architecture, and explore the neighborhood where Barack Obama lived and built his community roots. The 19-acre campus is open daily free of charge. To visit the indoor facility, purchase a ticket in advance using the link above.
5:30 PM | (Dinner at Virtue) Head straight over to 53rd Street in Hyde Park for dinner at Virtue Restaurant. Owned by James Beard Award-winning Chef Erick Williams, this acclaimed Black-owned destination serves elevated Southern cuisine—such as blackened catfish, braised short ribs, and mac & cheese—accompanied by world-class hospitality!
Sunday Elegance & Artistry
9:30 AM | (Coffee & Pastries) Kick off your Sunday in Hyde Park at Sip & Savor, a Black-owned neighborhood staple where “community and coffee meet.” Enjoy certified organic coffees, specialty lattes, and fresh local pastries. Check their event calendar before visiting to catch local acoustic sets or pop-up gatherings.
12:00 PM | (Bookstore) Da Book Joint is a passionate, Black woman-owned independent bookstore focused on promoting literacy, youth empowerment, and Black authors. Browse titles right as they open for the afternoon. Need some inspiration? Just take a look at their monthly suggestion list!
1:00 PM | (Art Gallery) Immerse yourself in fine art at Blanc Gallery an intimate, Black-owned gallery in the heart of historic Bronzeville. Its mission is to use art to engage African Americans in thoughtful conversations about significant social, political, and spiritual issues. Blanc also partners with local nonprofit organizations in order to raise community awareness.
6:00 PM | (Dinner) Wrap up your weekend with an elevated dining experience at The L Station Chophouse in Old Town. Blending high-end steakhouse fare with refined soul food touches, this Black-owned destination serves Prime cuts, Wagyu tastings, and signature cocktails in an unforgettable ambiance. Reservations recommended.
The Marketplace Spotlight: Even More Black Excellence!
Keith Lee gives Cleo’s “Perfect 10!”
Satisfied Customers at Da Book Joint
Here are additional Black-owned hot spots to consider in case you have extra time in the city or simply would like to swap out an activity during your stay:
Cleo’s Southern Cuisine (Restaurant): Founded by Chef Kristen Ashley, this Black woman-owned restaurant delivers an elevated, modern spin on classic Southern comfort food, famous for its Creole-inspired dishes and award-winning fried chicken.
Can’t Believe It’s Not Meat (Vegan Restaurant): This popular Black-owned plant-based spot transforms iconic comfort food and Chicago street eats into flavorful vegan and vegetarian dishes that even meat lovers adore.
Call and Response Books (Bookstore): A Black woman-owned independent bookstore in Hyde Park, this welcoming shop highlights stories and voices that foster deep community dialogue and a passion for reading.
Overflow Coffee (Coffee Shop): Located in the South Loop inside the historic venue where Vee-Jay Records once stood, this Black-owned craft coffee shop serves ethically sourced brews alongside rich musical history.
W. Hideaway Lounge (Cocktail Bar): Tucked away in Bronzeville, this stylish Black-owned cocktail lounge offers an intimate, upscale space to enjoy expert mixology and soulful music.
Breaking Point (Rage Room): Chicago's first Black- and woman-owned rage room provides a safe, liberating environment designed for stress relief, fun, and emotional reset through destruction therapy.
Park Manor 75 (Wine Bar): A sophisticated, Black-owned wine and charcuterie lounge on the South Side that intentionally spotlights wines, spirits, and beers produced by Black-owned brands.
Black Ensemble Theater (Live Theater): Founded by theater legend Jackie Taylor, this renowned Black-owned cultural institution in Uptown produces transformative musical theater dedicated to celebrating Black history and eradicating racism.
Michael Jordan, Lead the Chicago Bulls to Six NBA Championships
Researching Chicago filled me with immense pride for this historic city. From the freedom seekers of the Underground Railroad to the families who shaped the Great Migration, Chicago has always served as our refuge. My hope is that this guide helps you move through the city with purpose–offering fresh perspective and deeper connection, whether it’s your first visit or your tenth. Considering Chicago’s legacy of power and resilience, I’m reminded of Maya Angelou’s words, “like dust, I rise.” May your journey here remind you that our path is the true heartbeat of the American story molded right From The Clay.
Until next time,
Tara Moody
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