1. DAY 1. JENNIFER HUDSON

FROM CHICAGO.

Jennifer Kate Hudson (born September 12, 1981), also known by her nickname J.Hud, is an American singer, actress, producer, and talk show host. Throughout her career, she has received various accoladesfor her works in recorded music, film, television, and theater. Hudson became the youngest woman and second African-American woman to receive all four of the major American entertainment awards: Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony (EGOT). She also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2013.Time named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2020.

DAY 2. KENDALL GILL

FROM CHICAGO.

Kendall Gill, 55, played in the NBA for 15 years including a season with the Chicago Bulls. Throughout his basketball career, Gill played in 966 regular season games, 27 playoff games and compiled 12,914 points, 2,945 assists and 4,002 rebounds. In addition to playing in the NBA, the Chicago native was an outstanding High School and College athlete. Gill attended Rich Central High School, where he led his team to the IHSA Class AA state boys’ basketball tournament. After high school, Gill made his way to Urbana-Champaign, Illinois where he played for the Fighting Illini. Starting in his last three seasons, Gill led his team to the 1989 Final Four Tournament and finished his collegiate career 7^th in all-time scoring at the University.

After retiring from the NBA back in 05’ the former player became a Chicago Bulls sports analyst for Comcast SportsNet. More recently, Gill has provided his expertise in the sports world as an analyst for NBC Sports Chicago, while simultaneously hosting a weekly podcast focused on boxing, entitled “The Parlay.”Accomplishments: Six Player All Tournament Team, NCAA Slam Dunk Championship,1990, Illini Men’s Basketball All Century Team, 2004, Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame, 1992

DAY 3. MICHAEL WILBON

FROM CHICAGO.

Hailing from the Southside of Chicago, Michael Wilbon is a highly decorated sports journalist who has provided commentary in sports for over 40 years. After graduating from Northwestern University with a degree in Journalism, Wilbon began writing for the Washington Post. During his time at the Post, Wilbon earned a reputation as one of “the best deadline writers” in newspaper, covering Major League Baseball, the National Basketball Association, the National Football League, and college sports.

After 10 years at the Post, he took his place on ESPN’s “Pardon the Interruption” Where he has become one of the most respected journalists in the world of sports. In 2023, Wilbon partnered with NBA player Chris Paul in writing New York Times Best Seller, “Sixty-One: Life Lessons from Papa, on and off the court” a moving memoir about the life and loss of Paul’s grandfather.Awards and Accomplishments: Emmy Awards, 2009,2016 and 2017. Top Sports columnists by the Society of Professional Journalists, Fourth Estate Award, 2017, Curt Gowdy Media Award Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of fame, 2020, NSMA Hall of Fame, D.C. Sports Hall of Fame, 2011, Lifetime Achievement Award National Association of Black Journalists, Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame, 2015.

DAY 4. SHERRI SHEPHERD

FROM CHICAGO.

Sherri Shepherd is the host of the daily syndicated show Sherri. Shepherd has an extensive amount of experience as a television personality, lending her gift of gab to several talk shows including The View, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, Rachel Ray and The Wendy Williams Show. In addition to hosting daytime television, Shepherd co-hosted the 35^th Daytime Emmy Awards, was a contestant on Dancing with the Stars and in 2009 wrote the book Permission Slips: Every Woman’s Guide to Giving Herself a Break.

Awards and Accomplishments: Daytime Emmy’s Outstanding Talk Show Host,2009, NAACP Image Awards, Outstanding Talk Series, 2011, NAACP Image Awards, Best Lifestyle and Self-Help Podcast 2022, NAACP Image Awards, Outstanding Arts and Entertainment Podcast, 2023.

DAY 5. VAL WARNER

REPPIN CHICAGO.

Val Warner is a popular Emmy Award-Winning host, who co-hosts of Windy City LIVE, the talk and entertainment show that distinguished itself by running for a decade on ABC 7. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Val’s family roots emanated from Chicago and she has considered Chicago her home since moving here in 2005.

DAY 6. SAMANTHA CHATMAN

Samantha Chatman is an Emmy Award Winning Journalist from Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood. Chatman who is a Consumer Investigative Reporter and Anchor for ABC 7 Chicago, graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana -Champaign with a Bachelor of Science degree in Broadcast Journalism. Following her graduation, Chapman got her start in journalism as a Multimedia Journalist at Week-TV in Peoria, she then made her way to Louisville, KY as a Business Reporter for WDB-TV. In 2016 Chatman moved to Dallas and worked at KXAS-TV as a Consumer Investigative Reporter where she won an Emmy.

In addition to her career in Journalism, Chatman is an Author of the book Mia Gets Sick but Doesn’t Quit. She is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists, serves on the Associate Boards for After School Matters and Make-a-Wish Foundation.

Awards and Accomplishments: Emmy Awards, Consumer Investigative Reporter.

 

DAY 7. BRANDON POPE

Brandon Pope is an award-winning multi-media journalist with expertise in a plethora of topics including politics and sports. Pope is currently the host of “On the Block: Powered by The Block Club Chicago” which airs on the CW26. Brandon has also planted himself in the podcasting world with the Making podcast series from WBEZ and NPR. Pope’s work has been featured on WGN Radio, WVON, Ebony Magazine, Medium, Revolt and the Chicago Sun Times.

He is the president of the National Association of Black Journalists where he nurtures the relationships amongst young journalists.

Awards and Accomplishments: 2x Emmy Nominee, 2023, NABJ Professional Chapter of the Year, 2022, Best Multi-cultural Reach, Illinois Silver Circle Awards, 2021.

DAY 8. DOMETI PONGO

Dometi Pongo’s fresh perspective on the world has given him a platform to educate an audience who are growing up in the age of social media, false narratives, and misinformation. Pongo’s cultural awareness has played a huge part in bringing forth Black stories that are often overlooked. A host on MTV’s True Life: Crime, he has dedicated his work to uplift the voices of marginalized communities. When the journalist is not reporting on world stories’, he is interviewing your favorite celebrities and hosting MTV Red Carpets. Pongo also spearheads Pongo Strategy Company, a consulting company that focuses on brand messaging through various digital platforms.

• Awards and Accomplishments: Best Digital Media – Interactive: News, Salute to Excellence Award, National Association of Black Journalists (2020).
• NAPA Ambassador Award, Nigerian American Professionals Association (2019).
• Excellence in Media Black History Award, Northeastern Illinois University (2018).
• Salute to Excellence Award for Best Radio Feature Finalist, National Association of Black Journalists (2016).
  • Selection: “Laquan McDonald Coverage – Year in Review” – Written by Dometi Pongo for WVON Radio

DAY 9. SHERMANN “DILLA” THOMAS

A true Chicago historian, Shermann “Dilla” Thomas has created a following via various social media platforms discussing Chicago’s history. Inspired by his father who is a former Chicago Police Officer, Dilla took his talents from social media to real life and in 2022 created Chicago Mahogany Tours, providing tours in Chicago that focus on Chicago’s neighborhoods and their rich history. More recently Thomas announced he will be working with Netflix to create at Chicago-based historical fiction series.

DAY 10. DREA-O

Drea-O is a multimedia journalist who reports cultural news for Complex. A Chicago girl in New York, Dre-O has also built a following on Youtube and social media highlighting the Culture of hip-hop in Chicago.

DAY 11. FYB J MAYNE

FYB J Mayne is a media personality and musician. With over 414k Instagram followers FYB J Mayne has built a following on social media commentary and interviewing various people in the entertainment industry.

DAY 12. DJ U

Keeping his ear to the street, DJ U has successfully created a platform that keeps you updated on all the street news. With 266k YouTube subscribers and 28k Instagram followers DJ U TV provides conversation and commentary for the culture. DJ U has also caught the eyes and ears from some notable figures Interviewing everyone from Dave East and Jim Jones to Charleston White and Dr. Umar.

 

DAY 13. DJ PHARRIS

Where would Chicago hip-hop be without DJ Pharris? A staple figure in Chicago, DJ Pharris’ stamp of approval is all you need to garner respect in hip-hop. His infamous “This Chicago N*gga” can be heard across the world. Whether in a song or on a DJ set, if you’re from Chicago that stamp of approval holds weight. Starting his career back in 1986, Pharris has been a consistent voice that uplifts Chicago culture. Whether on air at Power 92.3 FM Chicago, spinning in some of Chicago’s hottest night clubs or in the studio producing a track, DJ Pharris continues to create a space for Chicago music to thrive.

Awards and Accomplishments: 3x Global Spin award winner. Frankie Knuckles DJ Hall of Fame (chosen few) inductee.

DAY 14. TONE KAPONE

Tone Kapone is an on-air personality for Chicago’s’107.5 FM WGCI, Dish Nation’s 98.3 Indy and Chicago’s Fox 32. Tone Kapone’s midday show Live with Tone Kapone has shaped Chicago radio bringing forth honesty, comedy and flare.

DAY 15. KEKE

The voice of the Millennials, Keke is a TV & Digital media personality for The Fred Show on Kiss 105.1 FM and 107.5 FM WGCI. When Keke isn’t on air you can catch her on the popular podcast “What More Can I Say”. Keke’s voice transcends far beyond the radio, shining her light on the Chicago Suburbs she also has an after-school program called Kickback with Keke.

DAY 16. JOJO ALONSO

“The Baddest Boricua in The Game” Jojo Alonso is a radio personality for Atlanta’s 105.3 The Beat. With interviews such as Gucci Mane and Latto under her belt, Alonso provides intriguing dialogue that women can relate to. When Alonso’s not on the mic you can catch her creating social media content on motherhood and her love for sports.

DAY 17. LIL CUZ

Lil Cuz is a Chicago comedian/multi-media personality bringing the laughs to Chicago’s 107.5 FM WGCI. Lil Cuz got his start on social media, creating skits that portray different personality types in Chicago. After his content went viral, he landed a night hosting position on WGCI. When Lil Cuz is off air, he continues to make us laugh via his social media skits.

DAY 18. HOTROD

A true hometown favorite, DJ Hotrod, is an on-air personality for 107.5 FM’s WGCI. Creating strong presence in music and community, Hotrod has continued to uplift Chicago and its artists. When Hotrod isn’t at the station you can catch him around the city hosting concerts, music events and creating an experience for the youth at his Pep Rally Takeover events.

DAY 19. JASON GOFF

Jason Goff is a pre-and post-game host for the Chicago Bulls on NBC Sports Chicago and host of the sports-based podcast “The Full Go.” Goff landed his first radio job as a producer on 670 The Score after graduating from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in 2000. After moving to Atlanta in 2012 the radio host left Chicago and moved to Atlanta to host on WZGC 92.9 The Game. In addition to hosting full-time, Goff was in charge of handling pre and postgame duties for the Atlanta Hawks. Goff also took on a midday show on SiriusXM NBA Radio. In 2014 Goff returned to Chicago and has since hosted for SiriusXM Big Ten Radio as well as ESPN Radio.

DAY 20. TIA EWING

Tia Ewing is an award-winning journalist and news anchor for Fox32 Chicago. After graduating from Ohio State University with an M.A. In Mass communications and Journalism, Ewing began her career in Flint, Michigan where she was an anchor and reporter for WNEM. After working in Flint, Michigan, Ewing worked as an anchor and reporter for KTXL in Sacramento, California before joining WOIO in Cleveland, Ohio where she worked as a morning anchor. Ewing has now settled in Chicago where she is a proud mother, wife and anchor and co-hosts a podcast with her husband entitled Early and Tia.

Awards and Accomplishments: Emmy Award

DAY 21. AUDRINA SINCLAIR

Audrina Sinclair is a news anchor for CBS2 Chicago. Prior to joining CBS2, Sinclair was a weekend evening anchor and general assignment reporter for WCCB-TV in Charlotte, North Carolina. After graduating from the University of South Florida with a degree in Telecommunications News, Sinclair began her broadcast career in Tampa as an anchor, reporter, producer, and photojournalist at WUSF-TV, PBS. In addition to broadcasting, Sinclair is an advisory board member of Salt & Light Coalition, a non-profit organization for survivors of human trafficking.

Awards and Accomplishments: Telly Award

DAY 22. ASHLEY MUNSON

Ashley Munson is a media personality who has used her voice to advocate for marginalized people of color. Munson who is known as “The Neighborhood CNN” has created a following through various social media platforms and her show Today with Munson which is dedicated to educating people of color about politics and racial issues.

DAY 23. DANNY BARKSDALE

Danny Barksdale is a 19-year-old TikTok influencer who has grown his following to over 700,000 followers by creating comedic skits on his itzdanooo account.

 

DAY 24. LEON ROGERS

Leon Rogers is a veteran radio personality for 107.5 WGCI. Before making his way to the radio airwaves, the self-proclaimed “Destined Legend” was a comedian that toured the world and has been featured on various comedy specials including, B.E.T’s “Comic View” and Jamie Foxx’s “Laffapalooza” to name a few. Off the mic, Leon Rogers is co-host to his own show entitled “Later with Leon” on Fox Soul.

 

DAY 25. BRYHANA MONEGAIN

Bryhana Monegain is an on-air radio personality for L.A.’s Power 106 FM. A breath of fresh air, Monegain stepped onto the scene in 2014 after graduating from the University of Missouri. Since her start, Monegain has interviewed everyone from Jack Harlow to LL Cool J and was awarded top 30 under 30. With over 100,000 followers Monegain continues to rep the crib and shine bright in L.A.

 

DAY 26. 16SHOT EM VISUALS

16shotem is a digital creator who is most known for his controversial topic conversations, with 239k subscriber on YouTube, 16shotem has specialized in giving the streets a platform to speak their truth. To catch 16shotem live Log onto Twitch and YouTube to catch his livestreams at 6pm every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

 

DAY 27. DJ NEHPETS

DJ Nehpets is a DJ and radio personality for Power 92.3 Chicago, Nehpets has built a reputation for breaking the hottest new music. You can catch him on Power Monday-Friday 3pm-7pm and 9pm for the Nehpets mix. When Nehpets isn’t on air you can catch him spinning at various clubs around the Chicagoland area.

DAY 28. RICKY RAMPAGE

Ricky Rampage is an on-air personality for Power 92.3 FM Chicago. Hailing from the southside, Ricky has made his way to acting, comedy and music. A man of many talents, Ricky has worked on set of some of TV’s biggest shows including, MTV’s Wild-n-Out, The Chi and more recently Power Force. In addition to on-air hosting, he also produces DJ Nehpets “Afternoon Drive” and the “Ricky Smiley Morning Show” Catch Ricky Rampage every Saturday from 10pm to 2am on Power 92.

DAY 29. SHEILA O

Sheila O is an on-air personality with a nationally syndicated radio show. In 2017 she made history as the first female radio personality to create and host an Afrobeat radio show in the United States. “AfroZons” is a two-hour weekly radio show that fuses today’s hip-hop with Afrobeat’s.’ After an exceptional run during weekends for Power 92.3 Chicago, AfroZons went national, debuting in Washington, D.C, Houston, Miami, and on SiriusXM HURVoicesChannel 141.