Opened in 1963, Jeri’s Grill was a classic greasy spoon in the North Center neighborhood of Chicago, operated 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In an era when the once common 24-hour diner was slowly disappearing, Jeri’s stood as a place of community for its customers, employees and neighborhood.
Though this story was published in 2018, Jeri’s Grill shuttered its doors in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Written and co-produced for The Columbia Chronicle. Published story here.
Awards: First Place, Photo Feature, Illinois College Press Association, 2019.
Formed by two families in 2020 to help both manage remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, “Podawan Montessori” is a learning pod operating out of a Chicago garage that puts preschool, kindergarten and second grade all under one roof.
Produced for WBEZ’s Curious City. Published story here.
With a rich historical significance, Quinn Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church — home to Chicago’s first Black congregation — is finding a new balance between honoring its history and adapting to a changing city.
Produced, reported and edited for WBEZ’s Curious City. Published story here.
In the summer of 2020, businesses throughout Chicago boarded up their windows as protests sparked by the killing of George Floyd surged through the city. Many of the boards were used as canvases for artists to spread messages of remembrance and unity, and one Chicagoan wondered if these artworks would be preserved once the boards were taken down.
Reported, produced, written and narrated for WBEZ’s Curious City. Published story here.
Jorge is an 11-year-old boxer that trains at Oakley Fight Club in Chicago, Illinois. His schedule is packed with hopes of one day making it to the Olympics, and his mother, Peggy, is his biggest supporter.
Co-produced, shot and edited.
Tim Harrington is the third generation operating the family-owned Barr Funeral Home in Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood. Harrington has three kids, none of whom have hopes of carrying on the family business, creating an uncertain future for this neighborhood establishment.
Ardy Taveerasert runs Mr. Flower and Mr. Ping Pong, a ping pong club, flower and gift shop, and U-Haul rental facility all in one.
Produced and edited.
Not only are the Dajnowskis responsible for restoring most of Chicago’s public art, but they’ve also revolutionized the field of art conservation worldwide with laser technology.
Co-produced for WBEZ’s Curious City.
