“One of my favorite things to do is sing karaoke, and this place allows me to do just that and have a great time. I love going on Mondays because the music is always so good and it eventually turns into a party.”

“Every once in a while, I’ll get a sweet tooth and come here to get the freshest desserts with the best service. This Black-woman-owned bakery makes me feel like I’m sitting in my grandmother’s kitchen back when I was a child.”

“Whenever I’m feeling homesick when I’m in L.A. or just craving some Chicago food, I can come here and get my usual and feel right at home. Yes, it tastes like the one in Chicago. Make sure you tell them to fry it hard.”

“On top of this being a world-class record shop, this is a cool place to just go and hang out. If you’re looking for a free live show, this is exactly where you can find it.”

"True to their name, Fixins really puts the soul in food. From their fried green tomatoes to the catfish, everything on the menu is made with love. They never disappoint.”

“The definition of comfort food. Check out this place in Harlem for some good soul food from brunch to dinner—you won’t be disappointed.”

"“OH BOY is the hottest new spot in Brooklyn for a reason, not only do they have one of the best burgers and the viral McGriddy but they also have one of the best vibes with rotating DJs playing music in the window."

“This Black-owned men’s apparel store is so dope because I can always find statement pieces here that I wouldn’t be able to find anywhere else.”

“This concept space is so amazing because it’s a coffee shop, clothing-and-plant store, but also an art gallery. The owner is from Chicago, and having a place in Brooklyn where art lovers and artists can come and connect is so amazing. What more can you really ask for?”

“This venue is great and has so many different aspects to it! From the bowling and blue ribbon fried chicken to the concerts and sound system, there is always something to do.”

“I have so many memories from this streetwear brand, Leaders, growing up, especially when I was in high school. I would spend a lot of time there after school and on the weekends. I met some really good people, and it was definitely the hangout spot where me and my friends would go and shop.”

“My friend Joe launched his Chicago streetwear brand Joe Freshgoods and now has a storefront, Every Now & Then. He has done so many innovative things in such a short time in the fashion industry. He’s also done many sold-out collabs with New Balance. This past summer, he partnered with Ghanaian designer Joey Lit and made a specialty T-shirt with his brand Free the Youth.”

“In 2012, I had a listening party for my mixtape 10 Day, and I remember how many people showed up. The line was down the street, and it was so packed that you could barely move. I got so much support from this streetwear brand, Jugrnaut, that I’ll never forget.”

“Most people don’t know this about me, but I love to skate. In fact, I am a really good skater. I love the rink so much that I put it in one of my songs (“Juke Jam”). The Rink is the premier skating spot on the South Side of Chicago.”

“I went to summer camp here and created some core childhood memories that I will never forget. This was such a staple place in my childhood. From playing basketball in the back at the courts to going on a nature walk to Dead Man’s Trail, Avalon Park will forever hold a special place in my heart.”

“The Retro Grill Stony Island is a Black-owned restaurant located in the heart of Avalon Park. They serve burgers, fries, shakes, and chicken. You can’t go wrong with anything you get on the menu.”

“Founded in 1961, this is the museum in Chicago for all things Black history around the world. It has great exhibits that are updated regularly and amazing programming. I love taking my daughters here so they can learn about our history the right way. I’ve done some great events at this museum, including a Juneteenth celebration in 2022, which had over 10,000 attendees with no incidents.”

“On top of being a library, this place means so much to me for so many reasons. I used to come here and perform while I was in a program called YOUmedia. I made lifelong friends and learned some valuable skills. It has shaped me into who I am today. I was grateful to know and learn from Brother Mike, may he continue to rest in peace.”