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NaBeela Washington

NaBeela Washington

NaBeela is a Chicago-based journalist writing about what's possible. She's a fierce advocate of the arts and brings people together around literature and culture. Read more: nabeelawashington.com

Candlelight Vigil Reunites All Fred Hampton and Mark Clark Survivors After 56 Years — Two chairs in remembrance of Fred Hampton and Mark Clark. | NaBeela Washington/15 West

History

Candlelight Vigil Reunites All Fred Hampton and Mark Clark Survivors After 56 Years

Survivors of the 1969 raid, former Black Panthers, residents, and community organizers gathered at the site of the assassination to honor how the Black Panthers' revolutionary work continues today, amid opposition over who has the right to tell their story.

By NaBeela Washington • 5 min read

a mascletà for burning and flowering: Natasha Mijares on ritual, resistance, and rebirth — Mijares pouring rose tea into a mug as guests arrive. | NaBeela Washington/15 West

Art

a mascletà for burning and flowering: Natasha Mijares on ritual, resistance, and rebirth

Artist Natasha Mijares brings the Valencian tradition of mascletà to Humboldt Park through spoken word, textile, and performance.

By NaBeela Washington • 7 min read

Eating Our Way Home: Addis Cafe — A freshly prepared latte and blueberry muffin. | NaBeela Washington/15 West

Eating Our Way Home

Eating Our Way Home: Addis Cafe

Part one of a series featuring food spaces that feel like home, this cafe thrives at the intersection of Ethiopian tradition and community turned family.

By NaBeela Washington • 5 min read

Grandma Irma's cocina feeds everyone

Little Village

Grandma Irma's cocina feeds everyone

After 36 years as a waitress, Irma Ceballos opened her own Mexican restaurant in Little Village, where family recipes and unconditional hospitality have made her a neighborhood pillar.

By NaBeela Washington • 5 min read

Summer Smash brought the heat. Chicago’s still feeling it. — A crowd forms ahead of Trippie Redd's set. | NaBeela Washington/15 West

Music

Summer Smash brought the heat. Chicago’s still feeling it.

Two months later, the festival’s energy, emotion, and performances still echo across Chicago’s hip-hop scene.

By NaBeela Washington • 6 min read

El Silencio No Basta: Líderes de Berwyn Presionan por Transparencia — Foto cortesía de Patricia Ostaszewski.

Español

El Silencio No Basta: Líderes de Berwyn Presionan por Transparencia

Cansada de las preguntas sin respuesta y pedazos de información, Janel King y otros residentes de Berwyn estan creando nuevas vías para la transparencia.

By Keila Gallardo • 5 min read

Silence Isn't Good Enough: Berwyn Leaders Push for Transparency. — Photo courtesy of Patricia Ostaszewski.

Berwyn

Silence Isn't Good Enough: Berwyn Leaders Push for Transparency.

Tired of unanswered questions and fragmented information, Janel King and fellow residents are creating new paths to transparency in Berwyn.

By NaBeela Washington • 4 min read

En Key Glock confiamos — Key Glock empezando su show Glockaveli el 24 de Junio en el centro. | NaBeela Washington/15 West

Español

En Key Glock confiamos

El hip-hop de Memphis volvió a la vida en la parada de Key Glock en Chicago.

By Keila Gallardo • 6 min read

In Key Glock we trust — Key Glock opening his June 24 Glockaveli show in Uptown. | NaBeela Washington/15 West

Music

In Key Glock we trust

Memphis hip-hop came alive at Key Glock's Chicago tour stop.

By Nasser N Adams Jr • 5 min read