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48 Lessons Learned in Job Search: How to Find a Job and Yourself along the way

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By James Warda,
today at 2:55 pm

I wrote a lessons learned document after my job search last year. With so many new people looking for jobs because of the pandemic, I’ve updated it here: 48-lessons-learned-in-job-search-by-james-warda.

The document, entitled 48 Lessons Learned in Job Search: How to Find a Job and Yourself along the way, now includes lessons learned from “the other side of the desk” and some related to COVID-19. Plus, three colleagues who helped me during my search, William Hickey, Jen Morris and David Warden, share their lessons in the “Other Voices” appendix

May it be of benefit, especially in these troubled times.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Contact me at [email protected]. And listen to my podcast.

Comments Note: All comments are reviewed. Any that are considered to be a personal attack or hate speech will be removed. In my blog, I always try to be respectful. I expect the same from my readers, both in responses to me, and about or to each other. And, again, thank you for reading.

@2001-2020, James R. Warda. All rights reserved.

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Meet The Blogger

James Warda

James Warda, author of “Where Are We Going So Fast?”, is a keynote speaker who focuses on connecting to each other, and ourselves, through our moments. His background also includes being a writer and speaker for Chicken Soup for the Soul Enterprises, and a columnist for the “Chicago Tribune” and Pioneer Press.

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A lot of popular black musicians has had humble beginnings right here in Chi-town. Some artist even ran in the same circle at one point. You may recognize a few, others you may not. Either way, these stars have succeeded in transforming the music industry, curating albums that make your favorite playlist each time.

So take a listen. Enjoy the journey.

Sam Lay

An oldie, but always a goodie, Sam Lay is one of the most influential blues artists to ever grace Chicago stages, and his reign ain’t over yet! Having moved to the Windy City way back in the 1960s, Sam Lay is still an active participant of the blues scene in Chicago at the graceful age of 82. He released his most famous solo album, Sam Lay in Bluesland, in 1969, and was catapulted in fame thereafter.

Fast-forward to today, and the famed Chicago blues artist has his very own documentary, also entitled Sam Lay in Bluesland, about the making of his groundbreaking career. Partnering with legends like Bob Dylan, Muddy Waters, Iggy Pop, and James Cotton, truly solidified his 60-year blues career into the history books forever and Chicago wouldn’t be the same without him.

Listen to: Sam Lay in Bluesland

Chance The Rapper

Chance The Rapper is a distinct voice in Chicago, dwelling in philanthropy, and making serious moves as an independent artist. His critically-acclaimed mixtape Coloring Book granted him with many awards and made him the first independent rapper to win Best Rap Album.

But dialing it back a bit to 2013, let’s take a listen to the explosive Acid Rap that put him on, and made the success of Coloring Book possible. Capturing his quirkiness and originality, Acid Rap is a staple for those who really listen to Chance.

Listen: Acid Rap

Noname

From the historic neighborhood of Bronzeville, Noname is a poetic performer that has been rapping since she dived into the open mic scene in Chicago, including the noted Slam Poetry competitions. She’s done many features with Chicago natives such as the beloved Chance The Rapper and Mick Jenkins.

Procuring her success, Telephone debuted in 2016, achieving wide critical acclaim and highlighted significant topics within womanhood. As of 2018, Noname has a new album released entitled Room 25. And it’s making a lot of noise in the music scene, solidifying her placement among the recent best rap artists.

Listen: Room 25

Mick Jenkins

Born in Huntsville, Alabama but raised and based in Chicago, Mick Jenkins is a Hip Hop artist, also formerly involved in the open mic scene. In fact, it’s the reason for his discovery. Jenkins has collaborated with many musicians including Vic Mensa, Chance The Rapper, and Saba, eventually leading to his own mixtape Trees & Truths, which lead into The Water[s] and Waves[s] and so forth.

Being a highly conceptual artist, Jenkins places a lot of focus into his album’s theme, one being 2016 The Healing Component. Exploring the various entities of love, The Healing Component also pertains a strong reference to Eric Garner (killed by strangulation from the police) in his second single “Drowning”.

Listen: Healing Component

Common

Common has always been a stable for Hip Hop music, illuminating the black experience in an intelligent and lyrical manner. Many of his projects, such as Like Water for Chocolate, Can I Borrow a Dollar?, and Thisisme Then: The Best of Common, receive high decorum, attracting critical success and respect for its innovation.

But Common’s first major album Like Water for Chocolate was an astounding breakthrough record, capturing socially conscious and Afrocentric themes, that should always be regarded when discussing Common’s legacy.

Listen: Like Water for Chocolate

Jamila Woods

Jamila Woods is beautiful and distinctive sound in the Chicago music and poetry scene. Her angelic vocals have showcased in a variety of Chicago artists (a highlight and fav being Sunday Candy with Chance The Rapper and Donald Trumpet), and her music tackles themes of feminism, black ancestry, and self-love.

In 2016, she released her debut album entitled Heavn, that can be described as protest music, with popping, airy beats that steady its radical and deeply-felt message.

Listen: Heavn

Kanye West

Kanye West is a living legend for the Hip Hop industry and is credited for many sounds that appear in today’s music. Since his debut in 2004, West has been quite the eccentric roller coaster ride, making noise in just about every category, from music to social media, to politics. One thing’s for sure; Kanye has many artistry albums to replay over and over again.

One album, however, that can be debated as one of his best work is his debut album The College Dropout, for it’s the explosive record that started it all.

Listen: The College Dropout

Da Brat

Da Brat was raised on the West Side of Chicago and is credited a pivotal voice in the rap industry. She’s the first solo female rapper to receive a platinum certificate for her debut album Funkdafied and has received a total of two Grammy award nominations.

So let’s travel back to her premiere album, Funkdafied that won her the Number One spot on the rap singles chart and Number Six on Billboard Hot 100.

Listen: Funkdafied

Vic Mensa

Currently signed to Roc Nation, Vic Mensa is a Hip Hop artist who’s also heavily active in his hometown of Chicago. He was originally a member of Kids These Days, but the band split, generating the debut of his solo mixtape Innanetape. He would later go on to release his debut studio album, The Autobiography, accumulating a plethora of features along the way.

The Autobiography was released in 2017 and explores his humanity and self-perception. The album receives mix reviews but overall is credited as a collection of his charms.

Listen: The Autobiography

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There seems to be a trend here: Chicago’s gay bars always end up being a place to dance the night away, and we’re not condemning that by any means. Believe us when we say there have been many a night when we’ve wound up in Boystown at 3 am, still somehow ready to tear up the dance floor and instead, totally throwing off everyone else’s groove.

It’s a rarity to find a gay bar that doesn’t get absolutely lit every night of the week, but there are a few exceptions, of course. Though many gay nightclubs don’t even open until the evening, there are some LGBTQ+ friendly bars that have afternoon hours, where you can saunter in, order a beer, and literally just chill. You might see a drag queen drift through the crowd, ready for the evening wave of party people, but for the most part, these bars are just good places to grab a drink with some friends and maybe even get someone’s number.

Visit Chicago’s best gay bars for a hell of a good time, even before the night begins.

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Mike’s taking the night off, so it’s time for … Mondays with Jairo! As the world rots in conflict, the Kindness Punks fight for Chromatica — and maybe an occasional chill Monday night off hanging at The SoFo Tap with our hero, @huffle.scruff! He’s the one that you’ve been waiting for with FREE darts & popcorn, a jukebox you’ll go Gaga over and to give you some stupid love, love! And you don’t need a reason (oh!) to check out our stupid specials including $4 ALL Whiskeys, Ryes & Bourbons, $4 Stellas & $5 BIG Long Islands on special all day & night! Freak out, get down and head over to see Jairo TONIGHT starting at 5 pm!

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The SoFo Tap

4923 N Clark St 1st Floor

This bar’s got all the fixins: a dartboard, a jukebox, flat-panel TVs, drink deals every night, and a lovable crowd you’ll fit right into. A Ravenswood staple, this low-key hangout is the very definition of a neighborhood bar, boasting a friendly atmosphere every single time you visit.

Jeffrey Pub

7041 S Jeffery Blvd

Chicago’s only black- and LGBTQ+ owned bar is located on the South Shore, home to drag shows and excellent cocktails. The owners had the ambition to also open Chicago’s first black- and LGBTQ+ owned sports bar this spring, but unfortunately, haven’t yet been able to open their doors due to COVID-19.

Big Chicks

5024 N Sheridan Rd

It’s cash-only, but they serve amazing bar food, so it’s an even trade-off. Bick Chicks also boasts $1 burgers and free, yes, free, BBQ on Sunday nights. There’s literally no reason not to spend a couple of hours here just grabbing a drink with a friend.

Hamburger Mary’s

5400 N Clark St

Okay, yes, this is technically a restaurant, but who says you can’t skip food altogether and just order a few rounds of cocktails. Plus, once night falls, when most patrons head upstairs to Mary’s Attic for a riot of a drag show, you’ll definitely want to join them.

Second Story Bar

157 E Ohio St #2

This cash-only spot is basically a speakeasy for the gay community, except, instead of being subterranean, it’s vertically smushed between a psychic shop and an Armenian restaurant. Second Story Bar has been around for decades, but it’s honestly a great place to grab a drink midday since it’s lesser-known.

Joie de Vine

1744 W Balmoral Ave

One of Chicago’s few lesbian-owned haunts, Joie de Vine is technically classified as a wine bar, but everybody knows who reigns here. Side note: can we talk about the severe lack of lesbian bars in this city!? Get it together, Chicago. Host to many queer-friendly events, like women’s comedy and storytelling, Joie de Vine is where Chicago’s finest ladies go for a drink, and damn it if we’d miss out on that.

The Kit Kat Lounge

3700 N Halsted St

You’re definitely going to catch a drag show here, and you’ll have a top-notch seat for it too. This upscale LGBTQ+ friendly lounge is relatively small, and the queens glide between booths with the utmost ease, even posing for a picture with you in the middle of their set. It’s a classy experience whenever you hit up the Kit Kat Lounge.

Manhandler Saloon

1948 N Halsted St

We mean, with a name like that, how could you go wrong? This place gets wild when it starts to venture into the early hours of the morning, but come here in the sleepy hours of the early afternoon and you might be able to call dibs on a cutie as you’re both having the first beer of the night.

Little Jim’s Tavern

3501 N Halsted St

The first gay bar to ever hit Boystown back in 1975, Little Jim’s Tavern has an extensive history of being the easiest place to snag a man in the later hours of the night. But if you head there in the afternoon before it gets ridiculously crowded, you’re sure to have a nice time with a few older guys who keep hoping you’ll stay a little longer.

Roscoe’s

3356 N Halsted St

Listen, Roscoe’s is definitely a nightclub. It’s the perfect place to go if you’re looking for a grand old time, but it also has a few quiet hours on the weekends when they open in the early afternoon. It is kinda weird seeing this giant nightclub pretty dead during the day, but also anticipatory of the night to come.

Progress

3359 N Halsted St

Okay, sure, this place isn’t open until 5 pm on weeknights, but that’s the perfect time to grab a quick after-work drink with a new bae. Weekends are even better, as they are open in the early afternoon hours. Progress doesn’t ever turn absolutely crazy until after midnight anyway, so if you’re not looking for that, it’s easy to avoid. The dancefloor isn’t though, and if you stick around long enough, you’re sure to get in on the action.

The North End

3733 N Halsted St

Hoping to reel in a few hotties while you’re watching the game? Head to the North End, Chicago’s gayest sports bar. You can flirt over the pool table or buy your date a round of beer without hurting your wallet. The prices here are the best you can find in Boystown and the guys who frequent here are cute as all hell.

At UrbanMatter, U Matter. And we think this matters.

Tell us what you think matters in your neighborhood and what we should write about next in the comments below!

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Bars might be closed around Chicago, but the show must go on! Drag queens have moved online to provide virtual entertainment to everyone cooped up at home, and Chicago has no shortage of entertainment. Here are a few virtual drag shows to watch during Pride Month.

Sophia Lucia Presents: Freak Show Cabaret!

Saturdays @ 4 pm

This one-woman show has it all! Art, poems, stories, and music delivered to you by the insatiable Sophia Lucia. She has created her own style of theatrical anti-folk/funk/spoken-word/rock & roll music. Check out her drag queen show every Saturday from 4 – 4:30 pm.

Flip Phone

All Week Long

Flip Phone hosts drag shows nearly every day, so you are sure to find something that piques your interest. You can check out dance parties, story hours, drag shows, and themed brunches at various days and times.

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A brand new MINI MATINEE is TUESDAY w/ performances by SPECIAL GUEST @cremefatale [LA], @kenziecoulee, @siichele, #CrashLanding champs @missalexkay, @jerfayvorite, & @americapwrs , & host @trexinchicago! 10PM CST right here! 👑MINI MATINEE is a 30 min show every Tuesday & Thursday at 10PM CST on this insta! We’re going to have some amazing special guests but mainly a LOT of Chicago faces & always a totally different cast!

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A post shared by Drag💃🏽Matinee (@dragmatinee) on Apr 20, 2020 at 9:58am PDT

Mini Matinee

Tuesdays & Saturdays @ 10 pm

Twice a week, you can watch a 30-minute drag show with some impressive guest stars, but with a heavy emphasis on Chicago residents. Each week will feature a rotating cast, so it will always be unique. The shows will be every Tuesday and Saturday at 10 – 10:30 pm on Twitch.

Illusions – The Drag Queen Show

Fridays & Saturdays @ 7 pm

This drag queen show combines burlesque dancing and comedy performances by some of your favorite impersonators and hosts from Chicago! You’ll see impersonations of Cher, Madonna, Whitney Houston, Cardi B, Adele, and Amy Winehouse. Dates are available all month long.

homeWERK: A Drag and Comedy Show

Thursdays @ 9 pm

Once a week, you can join the hilarious line of drag queens as they perform a comedy show. Some of the entertainers include Calpernia Adams, Jewels, Allusia, and Melanie Vesey. They will be performing every Thursday at 9 pm.

Featured Image Credit: FlipPhone Instagram

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One of the best ways to support the LGBTQ+ community — particularly in these unprecedented times of social distancing and economic hardship — is to be mindful of where your hard-earned dollars are going. Check out some of these local LGBTQ+ owned businesses and queer community-focused organizations in Chicago that could always use a helping hand and financial support.

Jennivee’s Bakery

3301 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60657

Just because we can’t get together for big parties doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate at all— why not order something from Jennivee’s Bakery to support the LGBTQ+ community in Chicago?

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@vitigrrl delivering the full mood for tonight’s @slomoparty #SloMoFromHomo . ❤️😍💃🏼 HANG ONTO YOUR LOVE AND HOPE! . Tix and details for the ZOOM party are at link in bio or watch on IG. live. We can’t make these moments for queer community connection happen without your support! Pls make a donation if you can and help spread the good Slo ‘Mo word! 8pm CST 🥳 #sade

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A post shared by Slow Jams For Queer Fam (@slomoparty) on Apr 16, 2020 at 12:07pm PDT

Slo’ Mo (Slow Jams for Queer Fam)

This is a wholly inclusive party experience that has recently gone virtual. In April’s online events, attendees had the opportunity to donate in support of the participating DJs, and leftover donations (after artists had been paid) went to the Reunion Family Relief Fund. The party happens intermittently, but usually on Thursday and Sunday nights.

Reunion Relief Fund

Speaking of which, Reunion is a gallery, event space, and arts incubator in Humboldt Park whose aim is to “provide a collaborative and grounding environment for LGBTQ + folks & communities of color to create and commune freely.” Reunion has established a relief fund in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic to support LGBTQ+ and POC cultural producers.

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We know you’ve been missing Renee’s Bloodys. Not to worry, we have bloody kits made with love. Happy Mothers Day!

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R Public House

1508 W Jarvis Ave, Chicago, IL 60626

This is an inclusive, welcoming pub in Rogers Park which helps to raise money to support (among other causes) LGBTQ+ sponsored non-profits in Chicago. If you want to help them continue to help the community, order some grub for curbside pickup.

Asrai Garden

1935 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 | 309 N Morgan St, Chicago, IL 60607

Located in Wicker Park (with a newer second location in the West Loop), this shop offers floral arrangements, jewelry, candles, and more.

Women & Children First

5233 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640

Longtime queer-owned bookstore Women & Children First is a beacon of feminism and inclusivity. Consider throwing your support behind an institution that’s not only LGBTQ+ friendly but also an essential part of the independent bookselling landscape.

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Brave Space Alliance was created to fill a gap in the organizing of and services to trans and gender-nonconforming people. Currently, very few LGBTQ+ social services or advocacy networks exist on the South and West Sides of Chicago. Furthermore, the few trans-specific resources in the city are located in majority-white neighborhoods on the North Side, which are inaccessible geographically, and also regularly result in the hyper-policing of trans people of color who attempt to access them. * * Check out the link in our bio for more information!

A post shared by Brave Space Alliance (@bravespacealliance) on May 6, 2020 at 2:47pm PDT

Brave Space Alliance

This organization works to provide supportive services for LGBTQ+ folks on Chicago’s South and West sides, particularly those relating to health and wellness, visibility, and solidarity. You can help these services continue and expand by offering your support and making a donation.

Barbara&Barbara

Aside from being a talented bunch of stylists, the crew at this salon are part of an intentionally welcoming environment built around gender acceptance. They’ve established a fund to support their staff, and continue to sell gift cards and hair products through their online store.

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Hoping April showers will bring more May flowers just like these! Stunning floral piece by the one and only @jordanlentz! For future appointments and inquiries, reach out to Jordan at [email protected]! . . #jordanlentz #copperplatetattoo #chicagotattooartist #chicagotattooshop #privatetattoostudio #safetattoo #ladieswhotattoo #femaletattooartist #qttr #queertattooartist #gaytattooartist #blackworkers #blackandgreytattoo #dotworktattoo #floraltattoo #floraldotwork #naturetattoo #naturedrawings #supportchicagotattooartists #supportchicagotattooshops

A post shared by Copperplate Tattoo (@copperplate_tattoo) on Apr 6, 2020 at 1:04pm PDT

Copperplate Tattoo

2868 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Female/queer-owned and operated, this tattoo studio is a great find for those looking to get some ink. While they’re closed for now as a non-essential business, you can support this great group of artists by purchasing a gift card for future tattooing.

Provoke Culture

This online shop is owned and operated by queer women of color, and its merchandise (apparel, prints, pins, and more) celebrates identity with unique designs.

Looking for more ways to support the LGBTQ+ community? These bars could use your help.

Featured Image Credit: Women & Children First

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There’s nothing better than a homecooked meal that tastes better than your actual homecooked meal. In Chicago, the city’s full of black-owned restaurants, giving you good eating that pleases the soul.

So whether you’re in town or looking for a new favorite restaurant, here are some of the best black-owned restaurants in Chicago.

Batter and Berries

2748 North Lincoln Avenue, Lincoln Park

Batter and Berries is for those looking for an awesomely sweet time. The restaurant prides on hardy breakfast plates, and everything sweet and sugary. Why the most cherished item on their menu is the French Toast Flight, and really there’s really no words to express its indulgence.

Chicago’s Home of Chicken & Waffle

3947 South King Drive

Succeeding in being the pillar of contemporary southern dishes, Chicago’s Chicken & Waffles also has beautiful decor that makes dining in a pleasant experience. Kind hospitality and good ole Chicken & Waffles are what keeps this Southside gem a favorite.

Support Black-Owned Businesses

Looking for more black-owned businesses to support in Chicago? We know the best black-owned restaurants, bars, and businesses in Chicago.

Flavor’s Southern Cooking

5721 West Division Street

Flavor’s Southern Cooking is serving up some serious flavor while keeping it wholesome. In the heart of Near West Chicago, the restaurant is keen on not only feeding you delicious southern cooking but healthy food for the soul as well. Created with only fresh and organic foods, this contemporary soul-food eatery is the best of both worlds.

Jamaica Jerk

3357 Dempster Street, Skokie

For the best jerk chicken outside Chicago, head over to Jamaica Jerk. The restaurant has a plethora of authentic Jamaican and Caribbean cuisine, with a tropical ambiance that adds to its aesthetic.

Luella’s Southern Kitchen

4609 N Lincoln Avenue

You can tell by the logo that Luella’s Southern Cooking has some good, homestyle foods. Serving up classic southern dishes, the restaurants uphold Luella’s legacy, the great grandmother of current owner and chef, Darnell Reed. Not only is the food irresistible, but it’s also appealing to the eye, making you want to snap a pic for the gram before diving in.

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Spicy Chicken Alfredo w/ Shrimp @ Truth Restaurant www.truthitalian.com

A post shared by Truth Italian Restaurant (@truthitalian) on May 16, 2020 at 2:14pm PDT

Truth Italian Restaurant

56 E Pershing Rd

“The Gem of Bronzeville” is an Italian restaurant run by master chefs and wine sommeliers. Hospitality is the name of the game, and Truth does it better than anyone. An art deco interior with a patio out back, anytime you step foot in here, you’re sure to be wowed throughout the entire experience at this black-owned restaurant.

Some Like It Black

810 E 43rd St

Embodying a creative arts bar, Some Like It Black is open until midnight for the creative types to mingle. Adorned with decorative artwork and a stage for performers to drift through, Some Like It Black serves up delicious sandwiches, including vegetarian options, in addition to their cocktails.

Original Soul Vegetarian

203 E 75th St

Soul food, meet vegetarians. Vegetarians, meet soul food you can actually enjoy. One of the oldest meatless restaurants in Chicago, having served customers for over 30 years and counting, Original Soul Vegetarian serves up 100-percent plant-based cuisine that will make you forget all about chicken for the day.

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With every sip of punch and every bite of home-style cooking, Chicago’s bars and restaurants bring people together. With snow on the ground, hunger in your stomach, and memories to be had, you’ll want to explore these black-owned bars, restaurants, and businesses throughout Chicago. Chicago’s food and bar scene fosters family across every nook and cranny of the city so you, too, can participate in your city’s home. Come for the friendship and live music, stay for the warm-family welcome and hearty portions.

The Delta

1745 W North Ave

Whether you frequent happy hours between 4 pm and 6 pm or you stay up for the late-night menu between 11 pm and 1 am, you’re sure to find the quintessential form of comfort and solace at The Delta. This Black-owned business and restaurant in Chicago offers inventive takes on classic dishes (did someone say vegan tamale?) all the while paying homage to the Civil Rights history of the Mississippi Delta region. With $3 sweet tea, craft beers, and smashing-cocktails (you won’t want to miss the daily specials), you’ll definitely want to be a regular The Delta. What’s more? This gem has Rotating DJs on Tuesdays and Bottomless Rosé on Wednesdays. The Delta gives a whole new meaning to dining out while maintaining its home-like ambiance.

Frontier

1072 N Milwaukee Ave

Go H.A.M. at Frontier in Wicker Park. This place has been known for its ambitious interpretation on large proteins (i.e. an entire pig) but did you also know that it offers pitchers of alcoholic punch, craft beer, and rustic yet classically inspired cocktails (don’t miss the Vieux Carre)? Perfect for large groups and yourself, Frontier manages to simultaneously create an unforgettable experience that will still make you feel welcomed and warm. In other words, Frontier has a knack for being inventive yet inviting. And that’s what makes this place a must for you. 

Mr. Brown’s Lounge

2301 W Chicago Ave

Did someone say reggae? Is that a Jamaican-jerk chicken? Transport yourself to a warmer climate and your new happy place at this black-owned restaurant and business, Mr. Brown’s Lounge. Mr. Brown’s Lounge offers a change of pace for you and your friends for this winter in the city. With its bright, tropical-Caribbean vibe, soul-centric Friday events, and hearty portions, Mr. Brown’s Lounge brings you the perfect escape full of joy and happier times. Be sure to keep the vibe going by bringing their jerk sauce home with you!

Soulé

1931 W Chicago Avenue

If any song would inspire you to create an establishment, which song would it be? The founders and creators of Soulé felt inspired to create an establishment after Biggie Smalls “Juicy”. Located in West Town, Soulé is a place where family, friends, and everything in-between can gather, share, and join a community. Rekindle old friendships or create new ones and share a plate of fried chicken or cat-fish and enjoy the hum of conversations and joy.

* Note: Soulé is BYOB. Be sure to bring your beer from Vice District Brewing (Chicago) or 18th Street Brewery (Hammond, IN) — both of which are Black-owned and local.

Eleven | Eleven

1111 W Lake St

It’s really a small world when you enter Eleven | Eleven. Honestly, this place single-handedly gathers Chicago around with versatile dishes (meat-eater and vegan alike), adventurous cocktails (try the Paper Plane; you won’t be disappointed), and Chicago-crafted artwork and music. Created and owned by Ahmed Braimah, a son of Ghanaian immigrants and a native to Chicago, Eleven | Eleven brings comfort from family-recipes into an elevated, eclectic space inspired by the community. 

Ja’ Grill Hyde Park

1510 East Harper Court

Fancy live melodies of Jamaican music? How about jerk spice? With a variety of rum-centric cocktails and plenty of heat, Ja’ Grill in Hyde Park brings its authentic A-game to Chicago as a black-owned business and restaurant. Enjoy a plate of Jamaican cuisine (such as jerk chicken or spicy goat curry) with a Dark and Stormy (or a Red Stripe) at Ja’ Grill. Because of their authenticity and genuine kindness, Ja’ Grill is the perfect oasis for any chilled Chicagoan.

Truth Italian Restaurant

56 E Pershing Rd

Truth be told: Truth Italian Restaurant will become your number one choice for upscale, comfort Italian-food in the city. Head to Bronzeville and you’ll instantly be transported to refined, comfort, Italian cuisine with classic cocktails. Walk through to the heated-back patio and you’ll discover the perfect ambiance for your pork-chops and Old-Fashioned or steak marsala and pinot. And, if you can’t get enough of Truth, be sure to come for brunch and breakfast! Served daily from 8 am – 3 pm you can explore their French-toast options or savor their classic ribeye steak and eggs. Dinner or breakfast — this Truth is truly a staple.

M Lounge

1520 S Wabash Ave

Live Jazz, Blues, R&B Music? Check. DJs on Fridays and Saturdays? Check. Martinis? Obvi. M Lounge puts the “M” in your magical mojo with its extensive calendar of events. With plenty of happy hours and live music, you’re sure to find your new and improved evening plans for the next week. Bring a friend or make a friend — either way works when you’re at M Lounge.

Some Like It Black

810 E 43rd St

A staple in South Loop from its founding in 1999, Some Like It Black is a home-town hub for creatives and artists alike. With plates ranging from tacos to paninis, Some Like it Black gives you the space to be yourself without any form of judgment. Here, you’re inspired to honor your idiosyncrasies and artistic endeavors all the while savoring a tequila-based cocktail or non-alcoholic-fruit-packed smoothie.

Norman’s Bistro

1001 E 43rd St

Do you hear something? That must be the live Sunday evening jazz at the bar in Norman’s Bistro. That’s right, Norman’s Bistro is a black-owned restaurant that brings you live music — from jazz on Sundays to DJs throughout the week — so you can get right at home with your martini and melodies. At Norman’s, you’re sure to find your groove and your dish. As your ears savor the smooth jazz and relax with R&B, Norman’s serves up Brazilian-inspired takes on classic Creole dishes. It’s a sure-fire way to satisfy your craving and gather with your newfound friends at this black-owned restaurant.

With this curated list of black-owned restaurants and bars in Chicago, you’re sure to find a place to call home and friends to call family. Make your way around the city and discover the shining and hidden gems in everything — from artistic bars and soul-food to live jazz and elevated Caribbean or Italian cuisine!

At UrbanMatter, U Matter. And we think this matters.

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Chicago Cubs: Players set up for success against AL Central by Ryan Sikes

Chicago Blackhawks: Three options for Patrick Kane’s center by Vincent Parise

Could the Chicago Bulls be on the verge of making a coaching change?

Welp — that’s it. The Chicago Bulls‘ season has come to an end. Well officially at least, because let’s be honest — their season was realistically over months ago. The news of the NBA’s likely return, which was announced Wednesday afternoon simply pulled the plug on their 2019-20 season, and potentially the tenure of head coach Jim Boylen.

When Arturas Karnisovas was hired, he promised to be very thoughtful and deliberative with the process of evaluating the organization from top to bottom. He’s now had nearly two months to conduct that review, with Marc Eversley, his new general manager, alongside him for six of those weeks.

The league has settled on a proposal, to be voted on later this week, that would include 22 teams — 16 of which are currently in a playoff spot, and an additional six teams, with the potential for a play-in tournament for the 8th seed.

Big news for the Chicago Bulls

That’s a lot of information, but the salient point for Bulls fans is it won’t include your favorite team. That is not to say that this isn’t significant news for the Bulls, because it certainly might be.

You see, Karnisovas, in conducting his evaluation, was believed by many to want to wait until the season was over to make a decision on the head coach.

Well, with the season now over, there is nothing stopping Karnisovas, literally or figuratively, from announcing that Jim Boylen is no longer the head coach of the Chicago Bulls.

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Of course, he could decide to keep Boylen next year, but the word on the street is Karnisovas is leaning more towards letting him go despite the reports that Jerry Reinsdorf, Michael Reinsdorf, and John Paxson are all inexplicably infatuated with him.

Next: 3 Bulls coaching candidates with ties to Karnisovas

If those rumors are true, then you can expect the dominoes to fall pretty quickly as other teams needing a new head coach will want to get to the front of the line to start interviewing candidates. The front office has had months to make the decision on Boylen. If they are parting ways, there is no benefit to delaying the news. In fact, there is a tangible negative impact if they do. So buckle up Bulls fans — you may get your wish very soon!

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Chicago Bulls Rumors: Are Jim Boylen’s days numbered? by Patrick Sheldon

Chicago Cubs: How playoff odds are impacted by 50-game season by Ryan Sikes

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(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

On which line will Patrick Kane be for the Chicago Blackhawks in the playoffs?

Patrick Kane is perhaps the greatest player to ever lace them up for the Chicago Blackhawks. Older generations might not like hearing it but he is the cornerstone of the best years this franchise has ever seen. When they drafted him with the first overall pick in the 2007 NHL Draft, things have really started to come up for this organization. ESPN had them as the worst franchise in all of the sports at one point before Kane showed up and now they are always amongst the top.

Kane uses his unique offensive abilities to create for both himself and his linemates. He has even made defenseman on his team look good by his natural puck skills. He is a right-wing that has driven a line in the way that a center does. That is why, despite being a winger, people want to play on a line with him. If you have a nice shot or the ability to get to the hard areas, Kane will find you.

He also has the ability to score goals with the best of them. His shot is incredibly deceptive and that has developed over time because goalies don’t know if he is going to pass or shoot. It is honestly incredible to watch because nobody in the building ever knows if Kane is going to shoot or pass. Earlier in his career, he almost exclusively passed first but his knack for the shooting game has developed him into one of the game’s best offensive players.

He is a big key to this team’s chances in the playoffs. In fact, he is probably the biggest key for any team looking to pull an upset. There are some different options for Jeremy Colliton to use Kane. It isn’t going to be a fourth-line center for Kane by any means, but he very well could be paired with one of these three centers come playoff time:

Next: Jonathan Toews

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Can the Chicago Cubs return to the postseason in a 50-game season?

On Wednesday, MLB owners officially rejected the MLBPA’s proposal for a 114-game schedule, as expected. Does that mean no Chicago Cubs this year? Not necessarily. The owners stated that they don’t plan to counter, but rather, the league will have private conversations with owners regarding a shortened season.

Earlier this week, we learned that the owners much preferred a shorter year, like 50 games shorter, which would essentially be a sprint to the finish line with no room for error.

After four years of making the postseason, which included three trips to the NLCS and a World Series title, the Cubs missed the postseason last year for the first time since 2014. The talent is certainly still there, but now under rookie manager David Ross, the Cubs are in danger of seeing their window of contention closing.

Under normal circumstances, the Cubs were pegged to win 85 games in 2020, according to Fangraphs, which oddly enough would have won the NL Central. However, should the owners and MLBPA agree on a 50-game season, let’s see how the north siders would have faired in the last five years.

Per the figure above, the Cubs should have easily made the playoffs last year, which hurts to see how they collapsed down the stretch. The had better odds in 2018 than 2019 to make the postseason after the first 50 games, but again, they failed to secure the Central title and lost in the Wild Card round.

Obviously, everything went right for the Cubs in 2016 on their way to their first World Series Championship since 1908. And we had to expect that they would come out sluggishly in 2017, a hangover if you will.

Next: Players set up for success against AL Central

Through the first 50 games, they were at .500 with just a 30 percent chance to make the postseason, and if you recall, they made their third consecutive trip to the NLCS. Now facing an unknown future with several of their key players, 2020 could be their last true shot.

So if there is a season, the Cubs will have to finish with a 27-23 record, at worst. An interesting tidbit here, the Nationals were 19-31 at the 50-game mark last year.

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