When it comes to showcasing his Grammy and Academy Award winning talents there is nothing common about Common. Born Lonnie Rashid Lynn in Chicago he first began performing using the stage name Common Sense. In 2003, he won the Grammy for Best R&B Song "Love of My Life.” He received his second Grammy Award for his Duo "Southside" with fellow Chicagoan Kanye West. In 2015 Common won a Golden Globe Award and Academy Award for the song Glory with John Legend. An activist and accomplish actor Common has starred in several films and TV including, Just Wright, The Hate You Give, Girls Trip and the Simpsons.
Chicago Black History Maker Common
She is considered one of the most powerful people in entertainment and she was born in Chicago. We’re talking about queen of Shondaland Shonda Rhimes. More than multidimensional Rhimes is a television producer, screenwriter, and author. She first came to fame for the television medical drama Grey's Anatomy. The Marian Catholic High School and Dartmouth College graduate is a mother of three and winner of numerous awards including five NAACP Image awards. In August 2017, she entered into an exclusive multi-year development deal with Netflix working on numerous projects, including the period drama Bridgerton.
Chicago Black History Maker Shonda Rhimes
He studied to become a Catholic priest and said that theological training was not in vain as it has helped him become a better actor. We’re speaking of the actor’s actor Harry Lennix. Born in Chicago Lennix first thrilled audiences while at Northwestern University. In 1991 he co-starred alongside fellow Chicago native Robert Townsend in the trailblazing film Five Heartbeats. From there he had numerous starring roles in movies and TV including The Matrix Revolutions and The Black List. Lennix wants to turn an old warehouse on 43rd Street and Cottage Grove into a double theater complex called the Lillian Marcie Center, named after his mother Lillian, and his longtime mentor Marcella Gillie.
Chicago Black History Maker Harry Lennix
She’s an actress, singer and television personality who’s won a Primetime Emmy Award, six NAACP Image Awards, and nominations for a Daytime Emmy Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award. All this and she’s not even 30 years old. We’re talking about Harvey native Keke Palmer. Palmer made her acting debut in Barbershop 2 and had her breakthrough starring in the drama Akeelah and the Bee. In addition to acting Palmer is an accomplished singer and television host. Fronting the talk show Just Keke and co-hosted the ABC talk show Strahan, Sara and Keke Speaking of hosting in 2020, she hosted the MTV Video Music Awards, becoming the first woman of color to host the event.
Chicago Black History Maker Keke Palmer.
When it comes to hoops he’s considered one of the best to hail from the state of Illinois. We’re speaking of high school, collegiate and professional basketball standout Iman Shumpert. Born in Berwyn Illinois, attended Oak Park River Forest High School, then Georgia Tech and was the 17th pick 2011 NBA draft by the New York Knicks. In 2016 he won an NBA championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers. In 2021 we won the dancing with the stars competition. When it comes to dancing and performing it’s a family affair. Shumpert is married to dancer, actress and singer Teyana Taylor. The couple have two daughters.
Chicago Black History Maker Iman Shumpert.
It’s been said that you can’t go home again. Don’t tell that to Emmerson Buie Jr. Special Agent in Charge for the Chicago Office of the FBI. Buie was born on the the West Side and raised in Englewood. He is the first Black person appointed to head one of the nation’s largest offices. The Western Illinois University alumnus and Omega Psi Phi member served four years in the Army before joining the bureau. Understanding the big responsibilities of his position Buie is quoted as saying “I want to build a relationship. I want to protect my community.”
Chicago Black History Maker Emmerson Buie Jr