We live in a world city. Truly. Don't believe it? Wander through the neighborhoods where generations have built communities, established markets, and created cultural landmarks. We Are The World serves as your invitation to explore Chicago's international character through guided tours and authentic dining experiences.

An author once shared a powerful insight about memory with me. We rush forward through time, but our heads remain turned backward, forever looking at what came before. This workshop invites journalists and storytellers to examine how our pasts shape the narratives we create about our communities and our collective future.

When we examine crime data, we often focus on dramatic headlines – murders and major incidents that define how we perceive safety in our city. But other statistics tell a deeper story. Join us as we explore the nuanced realities of juvenile justice, looking beyond simple crime rates to understand what really affects young people in Chicago.

Consider this: a young person gets stopped but never charged with anything. What happens? That encounter sits on their permanent record, potentially blocking opportunities years later. If they did commit an offense, the stigma can prevent them from starting over. This news forum examines how juvenile records affect futures and explores pathways to restoration and second chances.

What if our justice system focused on healing rather than punishment? What if young people who made mistakes could make amends and grow, rather than carry permanent scars? This conversation explores restorative justice approaches that prioritize community healing and personal transformation over cycles of incarceration.

Chicago has become known worldwide for violence. Documentaries capture our struggles. Headlines define us by tragedy. But there's more to understand about how young people navigate these challenges, how the justice system responds, and what paths forward might look like. This forum digs deeper into the complexities behind the statistics.

Myrla Baldonado knows her work matters. She cares for children, maintains homes, prepares meals for families who depend on her. Yet domestic workers often feel invisible, undervalued despite providing essential services. This event brings forward the voices of those working to survive, advocating for dignity and fair treatment in often overlooked professions.