United States
My name is Keena Renee. I have bylines at Blavity, Vibe Magazine, Ebony Magazine, Block Club Chicago and more. I have experience in community reporting, concert and major music festival coverage and writing opinion essays.
News & Editorial
Chicago State University, a predominantly Black public college located on Chicago's South Side, is facing a shutdown amid the state's unresolved budget impasse. The state of Illinois has been operating without a budget since June of 2015 due to Governor Bruce Rauner and the majority Democratic legislature being at odds over the allotment of funds.
BRONZEVILLE - When it comes to Chicago baseball, Bronzeville is generally not the first neighborhood that comes to mind. But a new pop-up shop aims to educate locals about the area's rich sports history. Bronzeville-based vintage-inspired clothing line Flyball is the first business to take advantage of a new shipping-container-turned-retail-space at 47th Street and Vincennes Avenue.
GoFundMe The Montford Point Marine Association's Chicago chapter is trying to raise enough money to pay off a tax debt and repair their building. Englewood, Chatham Primary category in which blog post is published These are selected by the writer and confirmed by the editor Original Reporting - + This article contains new, firsthand information uncovered by its reporter(s).
Music & Entertainment
Last weekend, thousands gathered to Grant Park in Chicago for Lollapalooza. The four day music festival featured over 150 acts playing on 8 stages. Although Lollapalooza is generally alternative-heavy, with many of the acts being rock and alternative artists, it was the urban acts that provided some of the festival's most memorable highlights this year.
Fresh off the release of the music video for "Don't Go", Kevin Ross moves forward with new music. We previously reported that the Motown signee hinted on his social media that new music was on the way and now we can confirm that a new 6-track EP is officially here.
Opinion
Lil Yachty released his debut album last week and received a major surprise. On Tuesday (May 30), the Hip-Hop enigma released his debut album Teenage Emotions after a year full of hit singles, television commercials and harsh criticism for Hip-Hop purist from all coast.
Last year, the entertainment industry was turned upside down after one of its power players, famed film producer Harvey Weinstein, was hit with sexual assault allegations by a slew of women in Hollywood. Since then, the claims sparked a movement and launched the #MeToo campaign.
Interviews
Watching Genesis Hale grow up as Maisha on Showtime's The Chi has been an incredible experience. The young actress continues live up to her potential, stealing hearts and scenes along the way. How did you get into acting and how did you land your role on "The Chi"?