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Set against the backdrop of Chicago’s Cabrini-Green public housing project in the early ‘90s, ‘We Grown Now' (written and directed by Minhal Baig) follows the lives of two young boys as they navigate the trials and tribulations of their community. Reggie "The Reel Critic" Ponder spoke with Blake Cameron James and Jurnee Smollett, who play the characters Malik and Dolores, to hear more about the film. ‘We Grown Now’ is playing at Chicago’s Gene Siskel Film Center until May 2.
"The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.

Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder gives his insights into ‘Challengers,’ a new sports romance drama from director Luca Guadagnino. The film stars Zendaya as Tashi Duncan, a tennis star-turned-coach amid a messy, decades-long love triangle with her husband Art (Mike Faist) and his best friend Partick (Josh O’Connor). 'Challengers' blurs the lines between love and competition, guiding viewers through a tale where tennis is a backdrop to the intense battle for affection and dominance. ‘Challengers’ is in theaters now.
“The Reel Critic” is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.

Monica Trinidad is a queer Latin visual artist, communicator, and cultural strategist from the South Side of Chicago, committed to amplifying marginalized voices through combining art and activism. Trinidad’s activism blossomed during their college years, where they first explored anti-war movements and recognized the power of young voices as a catalyst for change. This is what their Chicago sounds like.
This segment of “This Is What Chicago Sounds Like” was produced by Ari Mejia. Keep up with Monica Trinidad on Instagram at @itsmonicatrinidad.

The co-founders of recurring party Lovers and Friends, Keli Knight and Yoly Rojas, create inclusive spaces for Black and Brown lesbians and queer people over 30. Immediately successful with packed guest lists and lines out the door from day one, Lovers and Friends recently celebrated their one-year anniversary. They sat down with Vocalo host Nudia Hernandez to talk about the mission behind Lovers and Friends, the one-year anniversary bash and Yoly's experience on Netflix's "The Ultimatum: Queer Love."
This interview was produced and edited by Nudia Hernandez. To stay up to date on Lovers and Friends Chicago events, follow them on Instagram @loversandfriendschi.

Dancer Isaiah Day took the stage for his Chicago debut last week with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Established in 1958 by renowned dancer Alvin Ailey, the dance company has been a beacon for dancers of color for more than six decades. During a residency at Chicago’s Auditorium Theatre from April 17-21, the company showcased the skills of its dancers with a lineup of contemporary works and Ailey classics. Just hours before he took the stage on April 17, Day sat down with Vocalo host Nudia Hernandez to discuss his Chicago roots and how he got involved with the company.
This interview was edited and produced by Nudia Hernandez. To stay up to date with Isaiah Day, follow him on Instagram @isaiahdemarcus.

With a goal of supporting positivity in Chicago’s rap scene, independent rapper Goalden Chyld's March 2024 album 'War Cry' found its way to number three on the Apple Music charts just days following its release. Often seen wearing military combat gear (like a helmet and vest), Goalden Chyld hopes to unite the community in his fight for positive change. Through his Unity Movement, the artst works to bridge community divides and foster a common understanding through conversation – noting true change requires collaboration with those most affected. He sat down with Vocalo mornings host Bekoe to discuss the album, the movement and his familial legacy.
This interview was produced by Bekoe and edited by Morgan Ciocca and Blake Hall. Keep up with Goalden Chyld on Instagram @goalden_chyld.