Content Warning: This conversation includes racially and/or culturally derogatory language and/or negative depictions of Black and Indigenous people of color, women, and LGBTQI+ individuals. Rather than remove this content, we present it in the context of twentieth-century social history to acknowledge and learn from its impact and to inspire awareness and discussion.

Using a Trobriand drum and harmonica, Ella Jenkins plays examples of call and response music with Studs. A few of her popular songs play between their discussion. Ella explains how her music came to be from the Chicago neighborhood streets with influences from her Uncle and other blues and folk musicians. Songs played include "Tahboo," "Miss Mary Mack," "You'll Sing a Song and I'll Sing a Song," "Come Dance By the Ocean," and "Dulce." Songs have been removed due to copyright restrictions.

Discussion about Italians in Chicago

Dick Simpson, alderman of Chicago, discusses neighborhood governments. He describes the history, explains the uses of wards, and shows how the system can work in light of a recent election in Chicago. Studs reads an article about the recent election by Mike Royko.

Alderman Dick Simpson discusses his book, "Strategies for Change: How to Make the American Political Dream Work," and his work as the 44th Ward Alderman. He explains the assembly system that now runs the 44th Ward, where members are able to bind him to a vote if the majority decides. He also discusses how the assembly has already changed redlining, the school system, truck load limits, and high rise development within their neighborhood.

The early influences of his father, his time in prison, and a bomb being sent to his home are among the topics covered in Dellinger’s book, “From Yale to Jail: The Story of a Moral Dissenter”. Dellinger is best known for being one of the Chicago Eight. He recalls a time in Lincoln Park, IL when he was warned to get out of there quickly because the police were told to attack Dellinger and his group.

Discussing the book "Lost Chicago" with the author David Lowe.

David Farber discusses his book “Chicago ‘68” and reflects on the 1968 Democratic Convention in Chicago. Studs plays “I Ain’t Marching Anymore” - Phil Ochs (1965) and “Days of Decision” - Phil Ochs (1965). This interview features a clip of a previous interview Studs had with an unnamed Chicago police officer who describes his opinion on police brutality.

Non-fiction author Carl Smith discusses his latest work which focuses on the history of Chicago. Topics covered include labor movements, specifically the Pullman strike and the 1970's case trial with the Chicago Seven.