ABC7 Chicago Celebrates Black History Month with ‘Our Chicago: History & Heritage’

ABC7 Chicago is celebrating Black History Month with a series of news stories, programming, and a special half-hour program titled ‘Our Chicago: History & Heritage’. Hosted by ABC 7’s Cheryl Burton and Hosea Sanders, with contributions from Val Warner, Terrell Brown, Karen Jordan, and Jasmine Minor, the program aims to showcase the unique stories and cultural contributions of Black Chicagoans. The special will air on Saturday, Feb. 24, at 6 p.m. with an encore presentation on Sunday, Feb. 25, at 11 p.m.

The special will be hosted from the historic Wabash Avenue YMCA in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood, where historian Carter G. Woodson first developed the concept of Black History Month. Throughout the month of February, ABC7 will also feature vignettes highlighting everyday Chicagoans, such as Chicago historian Shermann ‘Dilla’ Thomas, artistic director of the Happiness Club Tanji Harper, and artist S. Rose, who creates hand-painted custom hats.

Some of the stories that will be showcased in ‘Our Chicago: History & Heritage’ include the emotional meeting between Olympic gold medalist Dr. Gregory Bell and his great, great nephew Max Warner, a rising track-and-field athlete. The program will also explore the history of Harold’s Chicken Shack, a Chicago institution since 1950, and the revitalization of the stretch of Michigan Avenue in Roseland.

Additionally, the program will feature the work of Redemptive Plastics, a creative and philanthropic group on Chicago’s West Side, and highlight the impact of Bettiann Gardner, founder of the ‘Soft Sheen’ hair brand and a fixture of the Chicago community.