Heart & Soul: Celebrating Black History Month
CHICAGO (WLS) -- ABC 7's "Heart and Soul," a series of specials that taps into Chicago's vibrant African American community, celebrated Black History Month by spotlighting mentors and honoring Chicagoans whose efforts are changing lives and shaping future leaders.
The special was hosted by Hosea Sanders and Cheryl Burton and featured contributing reports from ABC7s Jim Rose, Karen Jordan and Will Jones.
WATCH: Heart & Soul, Part 1
CineCares Foundation
Cinespace Chicago Film Studio has developed an internship program called CineCares which brings kids into the vast TV and film complex to teach them about the business. They are then able to acquire professional experience and potentially, union jobs. This segment explores how Cinespace Chicago works to fulfill its mission to invest in education and the organizations that serve the special needs in West and South Side communities.
Chef Erick Williams of Virtue Restaurant
Chef Erick Williams, former executive chef at the famed MK, is profiled. His latest effort is Virtue, a trendy Hyde Park restaurant that serves up contemporary Southern cuisine. Chef Erick has long made it his mission to mentor and "lift up" diverse, young culinary talent. In fact, Erick's own executive chef at Virtue was a young man he met and trained in the MK kitchen.
Virtue Restaurant
1462 E 53rd St, Chicago
WATCH: Heart & Soul, Part 2
Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN)
Billy Moore, the Case Manager for IMAN (Inner City Muslim Action Network) has been involved with IMAN's re-entry work for more than 10 years, helping formerly incarcerated men gain tools to find employment and to restore peace in their communities. The men he works with receive vocational training, are offered transitional housing and professional leadership development, and can take part in IMAN's Atlanta-based exchange program to gain additional skills.
WATCH: Heart & Soul, Part 3
The Bloc
The Bloc is a boxing organization where Jamyle Cannon coaches and helps kids from the West Side of Chicago overcome life's obstacles through boxing. More than a gym, The Bloc provides children with tutoring and academic help, as well as a safe space for them to do their homework.
XS Tennis and Education Foundation
Kamau Murray is a tennis coach who has mentored tennis stars, such as Sloane Stephens and founded XS Tennis and Education Foundation. Murray's Foundation is able to give economically underprivileged children the chance to play the sport year-round and to apply to college tennis scholarships.
WATCH: Heart & Soul, Part 4
Jesse White
Heart & Soul takes a look back at the legacy of Jesse White, the first and longest serving African American to hold the position of Secretary of State of Illinois. His history includes knowing Dr. Martin King and getting signed by the Chicago Cubs, but his heart has always been rooted as a teacher and mentor. White has guided more than 18,000 young people through the Jesse White Tumblers. This organization provides a positive alternative for inner-city kids and mentors them into becoming great athletes and people.
http://jessewhitetumblingteam.com/
Cheryl Burton's Scholarship
Cheryl Burton recently announced the establishment of the Cheryl Burton Scholarship at Lindblom Math and Science Academy, which is her alma mater. Each year, a girl and boy planning to study journalism will each receive a $5,000 scholarship.
The series aired Saturday, February 22 and Sunday, February 23 on ABC7 Chicago.
