This February we are taking time to honor Chicagoans who are making change in the community with The Great 28 Brought to you by Access Community Health Network. Each day of the month we will pay tribute to a different person. Be sure to check in every day to see who gets honored.
John Monopoly
The music and marketing legend got his start promoting parties at only 13 years old. John changed the world when he discovered talents Kanye West, Virgil Abloh, and Don C. He managed incredible artists like Missy Elliot, Mob Deep, and Busta Rhythms. John is currently working in A&R at JIVE records, is the VP of Producer Management at Violator, COO of GOOD MUSIC and so much more!
Follow him on Instagram HERE. See his interview with Tone Kapone below.
Dr. Pierre Johnson
Chicago’s own Dr. Pierre Johnson is the self proclaimed "Fibroid Slayer" and "gynecologic guru." He specializes in a minimally invasive surgery and pelvic floor repair. Dr. Johnson developed methods to manage difficult gynecologic cases. He has co-authored a book, Pulse of Perseverance, through which a nonprofit was eveloped. Through this foundation, he has provided monthly scholarships to well-deserving youth since September 2018.
Learn More About Dr. Pierre Johnson HERE. See clips from his interview with the WGCI Morning Show below.
Drew Sidora
Drew Sidora is an American Singer, Actress, and Reality Television Star. You may know Drew from her work on That's So Raven, Step Up, White Chicks, Crazy Sexy Cool: The TLC Story. She is currently on The Real Housewives of Atlanta. Drew has been working in the industry since the early age of 9 and continues to work on projects on BET, Bravo, and VH1.
Follow Drew HERE.
Jamhal Johnson and Damon Patton of Moors Beer
Chicago's own Jamhal Johnson and Damon Patton are co-founders of Moors Brewing Company. In June 2021, they came together to make a refreshing beer while representing black excellence in the beer industry. Moors Brewing Company is sold at over 350 locations, including Mariano's.
Check out their website HERE.
Coretta and Dino Dean - The Black Foodies
Chicago's own Coretta and Dino Dean are food influencers known as 'The Black Foodies.' Married for 27 years, this dynamic duo showcase black-owned and operated restaurants and chefs. Their goal is to "bring our culinary community together by supporting black-owned restaurants." You can see their food reviews from Chicago and beyond on Instagram and YouTube.
See their website HERE.
Chris Alexander and Darryl Hardy - StyleGods
Chris and Darryl are the owners and founders of Chicago native streetwear brand, StyleGods. Established in 2015, StyleGods has made itself known for its lifestyle apparel. Chris and Darryl have curated looks for celebrities and influencers across Chicago including our very own, Tone Kapone.
Check out their styles HERE.
DCG Brothers
Musical Artists DCG Brothers, DCG Shun and DCG BSAVV, hail from the West Side. The two brothers who use the acronym DCG - Dreams Conquer Goals - started their rap career in 2020. They are self-described Pop Drill maestros.
Follow DCG Brothers HERE.
Trez Pugh - Owner of Sip & Savor Coffee Shops
Trez Pugh is the owner of Sip and Savor Coffee House. He opened his first location in 2005 and now has five locations across Chicagoland. Trez is bringing a new brand of coffee house with several teas, espressos, lattes, mochas, and pastries. Trez aims to make his coffee house feel like home.
Learn More About Sip & Savor HERE. See his interview below.
Sigma Chris - Event Producer and Promoter
Sigma Chris is a Chicago Event Producer and Promoter. After working in social services for eight years, he realized that he wanted to pursue his aspirations of being in the nightlife and entertainment industry. Since establishing Sigma Chris Events in 2016, he has led several successful events which have made his company a staple in Chicago nightlife.
Follow him on Instagram HERE.
Stephanie Hart - Brown Sugar Bakery
Stephanie Hart is the owner of Brown Sugar Bakery. Founded in 2002, she uses family recipes to craft delicious treats. Brown Sugar Bakery is deeply embedded in the Southside community. Brown Sugar Bakery is the first and only black woman owned chocolate factory in the US.
See their website HERE.
Brett Hart - CEO of United Airlines
Brett Hart is the President of United Airlines. He is the first African American to be named president of a major airline company. He joined United Airlines in 2010 and served as an executive president and chief administrative officer before becoming President in 2020.
Learn more about Brett Hart here ➡️ https://ir.united.com/management/brett-hart
FendiDa Rappa
FendiDa Rappa is a Chicago rapper and songwriter. Fendi started rapping in 2012 in an all-girl group PINK SAVAGE. She later went solo and released mixtapes and singles such as "Juke Song" and "Point Me 2" with Cardi B. The music video for "Point Me 2" with Cardi B. gained 1 million views in less than 24 hours.
Follow Fendi HERE.
Dedra Simmons - Pookie Crack Cakes
Dedra Simmons is the founder and owner of Pookie Crack Cakes. Dedra started her business in 2014 selling cakes from her home. She now serves over 2,000 cakes per week from her Bronzeville bakery.
Follow her on Instagram HERE.
VIIBEZ - LSD Studios
VIIBEZ is the owner of LSD Studios in the South Loop. LSD Studios prides itself on being a black woman owned production studio. VIIBEZ has worked with popular artists such as G Herbo, Lil Tjay, and Polo G. She recruits the best musicians, producers, and engineers from around the city. Her goal is to bring the community together and allow everyone a chance to achieve their dreams.
Check out their website HERE.
Cory Demon - GREVYI Clothing
Corey Demon is the creator of GREVYI clothing. Corey is an actor, model, stylist, author, and designer. GREVYI clothing is "Influenced by the streets of Chicago and upscale fashions of Michigan Ave." Their goal is to "change life-styles!" Designed for the individual with refined qualities, GREVYI clothing is making waves on the set of POWER BOOK IV: FORCE, filmed right here in our city.
See their clothing HERE.
Dawn Hasbrouck - Fox News Anchor
Dawn Hasbrouck is the co-anchor weekdays on Fox 32 News. Dawn has recieved an Associated Press award for Best Hard News Feature and an Emmy nomination. Before FOX32, Dawn reported for many cities including Boston, where she earned a spot in the "Top 40 Under 40" list in the Boston Business Journal.
Follow Dan on Instagram HERE.
Dr. Robin Drake - OBGYN at Rush University
Dr. Robin Drake, MD, OB-GYN, and Assistant Professor at Rush University Medical Center. Dr. Drake graduated from Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine with her MD. Dr. Drake completed her residency at the University of Chicago Medical Center and has over 16 years of experience as an OB-GYN.
Learn more about Dr. Drake HERE.
Dr. Chevy Humphrey - President/CEO of The Museum of Science and Industry
Dr. Chevy Humphrey is the first Black American to head a science center in the United States and in 2021, became the first women and Black American to lead the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago. She oversees guest experiences, exhibits, community engagement, and more. In 2023, she was honored as one of Crain's Chicago Business' Notable Women in STEM.
Learn more about Dr. Chevy HERE.
Carrie Walker - Assignment Manager NBC5 Chicago and Telemundo Chicago
Have you ever thought about what it takes to keep Chicago in the loop? The amount of dedication and effort used to ensure that the city receives all of the information it needs about sports, weather, and other important topics is often overlooked. One of the many individuals that make it all happen is Carrie Walker. She has dedicated nearly three decades to journalism. Currently, she is the Weekday Assignment Editor at NBC5 Chicago. In this position, she oversees daily assignments for reporters, crews, and producers. If it weren’t for her talent and dedication, citizens would be unaware of the things happening across the city. Thank you for all you do for Chicago!
Keke Palmer - Actress/Singer/TV Personality
Keke got her first big break as an actress in Barbershop 2: Back in Business. Since then, her star power has only grown appearing in Akeelah and the Bee, Madea's Family Reunion, Nope, Hustlers, and most recently winning an Emmy for hosting Password.
Follow Keke Palmer HERE.
Tonya and Darnell Johnson - Owners of Chicago's Home of Chicken and Waffles
With two locations in Oak Park and Bronzeville, their restaurant has served Chicago Southern specialties for over 15 years!
Today we honor Chicago’s own Dr. Dorthy Jean Tillman, the 17-year-old doctor.
After earning her bachelor's degree at 12 and double master’s degrees at age 14, she completed a doctoral program. She started the Dorothy Jeanius STEAM Leadership Institute and the Dorothy Jeanius STEAM Labs in Chicago and South Africa.
Follow her on Instagram HERE.
Myiti Sengstacke-Rice - President and CEO of the Chicago Defender Charities
Starting as an intern, Myiti followed in the footsteps of her great uncle, the founding publisher of the Chicago Defender and The Bud Billiken Parade. She recently received the President's Lifetime Achievement Award.
Jacqueline Jackson - Owner and operator of Kilwins Chocolates, Fudge & Ice Cream
The former Chicago Public Schools educator has 7 stores with locations in Hyde Park, Michigan Avenue, Navy Pier, Geneva, Andersonville, River North and Evanston. In 2023, Jackie opened the first Fatburger in the Midwest.
Dr. Pamela Blackman - President & CEO of Building Brighter Futures Center For The Arts
Dr. Blackman helps to bring underprivileged kids and their families new opportunities to help "broaden their horizons." She also owns Joy Entertainment and Event Management, which helps with branding/licensing, marketing, and tour management.
Nashone Greer-Adams - CEO Something Good In Englewood -Non-profit
Something Good in Englewood provides programs that help the community with educational and supportive services and resources. Nashone is also the founder and Executive Director of Little Angels Learning Center.
Christa Hamilton - UCan Chicago President and CEO
She is the first African American and first woman to lead UCAN. She has dedicated her professional life to promoting equity and enhancing lives. She is a community and civic leader and sits on the boards for Instituto del Progreso Latino and the Chicago Citywide Literacy.
Andre McKinnie - Founder and Lead Director of the Outdoor Adventure Club at Intrinsic High School
The organization plans immersive field trips to bridge the gap between students of color and the outdoors. He continues advocating for his environmental passion by working on a law degree in biodiversity and conservation.
Bernie Mac
We honor his legacy and impact on the comedy and entertainment industry.