culture Archives

Lyons co-hosts Three Kings Festival with Commissioner Aguilar

January 9, 2023January 9, 2023 Ray Hanania No Comments

Lyons co-hosts Three Kings Festival with Commissioner Aguilar Cook County Board Commissioner Frank Aguilar partnered with Lyons Village President Chris Getty on Friday (Jan. 6, 2023) to co-host the annual Three Kings Day commemoration. The commemoration was celebrated by distributing wrapped new toys and gifts to young children of needy families in Lyons Township and…

Chicago, Cook County, Culture, Entertainment, Events, Features, Government, News, Village of Lyons

Remembering Pat Michalski who dedicated her life to diversity and fairness

December 30, 2022December 30, 2022 Ray Hanania No Comments

Remembering Pat Michalski who dedicated her life to diversity and fairness Very few people have done more to strengthen diversity in Illinois than Patricia Michalski, who passed away on December 17, 2022. Pat was an activist dedicated to bringing people of all races, ethnicities and nationalities in the Chicagoland area together. And she did it…

Blogger, Chicago, Civil Rights, Commentary, Culture, Government, Illinois Legislature, Obituary, Opinion, Racism, rayhanania, Religion, Seniors, Suburban Chicagoland, women

State Treasurer Frerichs says Diversity and Transparency are good for business

December 1, 2022December 1, 2022 Ray Hanania 2 Comments

State Treasurer Frerichs says Diversity and Transparency are good for business Research shows that diversity is good for business. A study conducted by a well-regarded business consultant, McKinsey & Co., revealed that corporations with diverse boards outperformed homogenous boards. When people from different backgrounds make decisions together, they are less prone to group-think, and they…

Civil Rights, Culture, Government, Illinois Legislature, News, Racism, Suburban Chicagoland

Memoir: “Stories My Father Told Me” Available Now

December 10, 2020December 10, 2020 Ray Hanania No Comments

Memoir: “Stories My Father Told Me” Available Now Memories of a Childhood in Syria and Lebanon By Elia Zughaib, Illustrated by Helen Zughaib In a world driven by power, money, and the pursuit of personal success, Helen and her father Elia have given us a glimpse of an intact society stretched to the limit, yet…

Books & Films, News

Anniversary of Arab American Recognition in Illinois

October 4, 2020October 4, 2020 Ray Hanania No Comments

Anniversary of Arab American Recognition in Illinois Two years ago in October 2018, Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan introduced legislation that formally recognized April as Arab American Heritage Month at a meeting of the Arab American Democratic Club. Madigan’s legislation made the declaration a state law. Here’s a story recalling that important event in…

Blogger, Chicago, Commentary, Cook County, Editors Pick, Government, Illinois Legislature, News, Opinion, Politics, Racism, Regional Midwest, Suburban Chicagoland

Chicago Cultural Alliance offers wide range of ethnic programs

July 11, 2018August 20, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Chicago Cultural Alliance offers wide range of ethnic programs As usual, we have a ton of events for you to enjoy all around Chicago. Our online event listing is chock full of events hand picked just for you, including exhibitions, concerts, film screenings, workshops, and more! It’s been hot out, so we’re taking a quick…

Chicago, Entertainment, Features, Festival, News

Who are the Arabs of the Southwest Suburbs?

December 9, 2017November 29, 2019 Ray Hanania 1 Comment

Who are the Arabs of the Southwest Suburbs? The recent personal attacks against a trustee in Palos Township has sparked a discussion about who are the Arabs of Chicagoland. I have spent most of my life studying and writing about the American Arab community, authoring dissertations and studies on them at Northern Illinois and the…

Blogger, Commentary, Editors Pick, Features, Opinion, Orland Park, Politics, Racism, rayhanania, Religion, Suburban Chicagoland