Social Movements

Life is better with friends and photos! So grab your favorite people and join us to create your own "love story" scrapbooks that celebrate friendship, community, and personal memories. Where: Little Italy Branch Library When: February 13th, 2-4 pm We will provide essential scrapbooking materials, including paper, scissors, a variety of adhesives, markers, and decorative supplies. You are encouraged to bring any personal photos or mementos you wish to include in your project. Sign up mandatory -https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSemKtm2eIXwDIpRvQS8n2r4X9PiAeKQ9sYW8ccC4Ui39Mb-tA/viewform

**Join us at our TECH MIXER AND SOCIAL for afterwork drinks, networking with tech workers in Chicago and meet people from Chicago and all over the world 🌏🎉** Tech, AI, Data, and more \~ Whether you're a seasoned tech veteran or just starting out, let's create the ideal afterwork place to meet and chill with other workers in tech - find that new job, expand your network, share ideas, and stay up-to-date on the latest trends in the industry. Let's inspire, innovate, and shape the future of technology in Chicago! 🍺🥃 Afterwork drinks 📍 **Hopsmith Tavern** \- 15 W Division St\, Chicago 🕕 **5:30pm** onwards **every** **Friday** 🎫 just $4 entry online or $8 at the door! (helps us to run the event inc. Meetup costs etc!) 🔗 [Link to Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1379224400309?aff=meetup) WhatsApp community in the Eventbrite link above *Chicago tech social mixer afterwork drinks AI connect network data IT programming cybersecurity digital nomad blockchain crypto big data science computer networking community career jobs entrepreneur industry product design startup Chicago tech social mixer afterwork drinks AI connect network data IT programming cybersecurity digital nomad blockchain crypto big data science computer networking community career jobs entrepreneur industry product design startup*z

Join us in Millennium Park for a **FREE** workout at The Bean. We are an inclusive workout group with chapters throughout the world. Whether you are a multi-marathon runner or a mom just getting back into the swing of things, and everything in between, we only ask of everyone to **#JustShowUp!**

Come join other parents after drop off at The People's Cafe! Talk school shop on all the happenings, events and current events. Parents go through very similar experiences and it's great to connect to your school community. Mondays and Fridays after drop off!

**🔥 LA CONFERENCIA DE CASHFLOW 🔥** ¡El evento de inversiones en bienes raíces más importante de Chicago! Sin traducción – ¡Este evento es 100% en español! 🗓 **13\, 14 y 15 de Febrero \| Lombard\, IL** 🎟 Asiste en persona o virtualmente por Zoom 🌐 www.conferenciadecashflow.com 🚨 ¡Este es EL evento! La ÚNICA conferencia de inversiones inmobiliarias + tour en vivo de propiedades en Chicago — y el #1 que los inversionistas serios ya tienen marcado en su calendario. ¿Mencionamos que es COMPLETAMENTE EN ESPAÑOL? Ya sea que estés comenzando o buscando escalar, aquí tendrás el atajo para crear riqueza real con bienes raíces — sin el humo ni las falsas promesas. ✅ POR QUÉ DEBES ESTAR AHÍ: Plano paso a paso para construir riqueza con bienes raíces Conoce a más de 11 de los mejores inversionistas, prestamistas y profesionales de Chicago Recorre propiedades de inversión activas (¡incluso virtualmente!) Haz networking con estudiantes locales que ya están cerrando tratos Aprende qué está funcionando AHORA MISMO en este mercado 💡 ¿Quieres dejar de dar vueltas y comenzar a ver resultados? Únete al experto en bienes raíces Pablo Sarmiento y a un poderoso panel de profesionales que revelarán las estrategias exactas que sus estudiantes usan para alcanzar la libertad financiera — aquí mismo en Chicago. 🎯 3 Días de Educación Real, sin Filtros Nada de ventas disfrazadas. Nada de cuentos. Solo conversaciones reales, negocios reales y resultados reales. 📍 **13\, 14 y 15 de Febrero \| Lombard\, IL** 📲 Participa en vivo o en línea 🎟 Boletos disponibles ahora – ¡No te lo pierdas!: 👉 www.conferenciadecashflow.com 🔥 **ACTÚA HOY** para asegurar el precio de preventa — antes de que se acabe. Este evento **SE VA A LLENAR**. No te quedes mirando desde afuera.

Looking for a spot to run your D&D campaign? We have a great table ready to host! We are keeping the time open for you to choose what works for you and your players. Reach out with any questions or suggestions! Zemi Coffee offers a wide range of drink options from coffee, to tea, to hot chocolate. Along with Puerto Rican empanadas and pastries to fuel your players! Email [email protected] with any questions!

A wood-fired, social sauna seating 16 people, along the lake and inside Chicago's parks, with an Aufguss session to cap off every sauna day. What to bring: \- Water\, preferably with electrolytes/lemon to replenish\. \- Swimsuit/athletic clothes\. \- Towel\(s\) for sitting inside the sauna and for drying off\. There is a changing tent and a shower for rinsing off available. Looking forward to welcoming you! \- Maria Tkacz\, Founder of Harbor & Hoyage @harborandvoyage More info & booking at harborandyoyage.com

For our February event, we will be back at O’Shaughnessy’s, our favorite "home away from home"! Address: 4557 N Ravenswood Ave Chicago, IL **Please note:** **For every meeting, it is essential that you RSVP, to ensure that we have enough space for everyone. Please also have sufficient cash on hand, as many locations limit the use of credit cards.** Also, feel free to review now the plan for our 11:00 AM lunches for the next few months: March 14 – Savanna – 3334 N Halsted St, Chicago April 11 – O’Shaughnessy’s Public House - 4557 N Ravenswood Ave Chicago, IL (If any changes to the dates/locations occur, we will notify members ASAP, but we plan to minimize the likelihood of such changes.)

The Nichiren Shu Buddhist Sangha of Chicago started in 2018 under the guidance of Ven. Kenjo Igarashi of the Nichiren Shu tradition. We hold free and open-to-the-public Buddhist Service on the 3rd Sundays of every month at Movement on Montrose Our services entail offerings, ritual purification, and chanting mantra (Odaimoku) and portions of the Lotus Sutra. This is followed by a Dharma talk by Rev. Igarashi. After service, tea and light refreshments will be provided during our social hour. Doors open at 10:45 am. Doors close and service begins at 11 am. We accept donations of flowers, incense, and community snacks in support of service. If you feel free to support monetarily, you may do so at [https://buymeacoffee.com/nichirenshuchicago.](https://buymeacoffee.com/nichirenshuchicago.) \*We are a POC-led and Queer-led sangha \*\*Accessibility: the space (and bathroom) is wheelchair accessible. KN95's available at the door.

**🎟️ 🎶Theater Week Stop 3: $30 tix-Trial in the Delta: Murder of Emmett Till🎭** *Chicago Theater Week 2026 Play #3 - $30 Tix-* *Trial in the Delta: The Murder of Emmett Till @Kimball Arts Center* **Chicago Theater Week Play #3** 🎶 *Trial in the Delta: the Murder of Emmett Till* 📅 **Saturday Feb 14, 2025** ⏰ **7:30 PM** 📍 **The Kimball Arts Center \|** 1757 N. Kimball Ave, Chicago, **🎟️ General Admission Seating** Our **3rd & final stop** for Chicago Theater Week is **Trial in the Delta: The Murder of Emmett Till**, a powerful, award-winning live docu-drama presented by **Collaboraction** in their brand-new **House of Belonging** in Humboldt Park. This immersive production brings the **1955 murder trial of Emmett Till** to life using the **recently unearthed trial transcript**, placing audiences inside the courtroom for a **deeply human, radically honest** examination of a case that changed America forever. Actors sit among the audience, taking the stand as witnesses for both the defense and prosecution — including **Mamie Till-Bradley** — creating a stunning, immediate, and unforgettable experience. New this year! Tickets are available on Hottix, no special codes needed! 🎟 **Theater Week Deal via Hot Tix** • **$30 tickets + fees (normally $55.00)** — no special code • **Limited quantity — WILL sell out** 👉 Buy here: https://hottix.org/shows/collaboraction-in-the-kimball-arts-center/trial-in-the-delta-the-murder-of-emmett-till/ ✔️ Select **2/14/25 General Admission – 7:30 PM** \| **The Kimball Arts Center** **-reg price $55.00 for $30! so $25.00 savings!** Any issues calls Hot tix helpdesk at Phone: **(312) 977-9483 or** Email: **[[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])** ⚠️ **Important Ticket Rules** · You must buy your own ticket · **DO NOT RSVP YES until ticket is purchased** · GA seating — we’ll meet in the bar & sit together · High probability of value-priced tickets selling out!! - buy asap! I’ll arrive around **7:00 PM to grab seats as general admission.** *I may grab a meal nearby earlier & I will post a comment of where I will go for those who wish to meet & grab a bite. Check back for updates* 🍷 **Food & Drinks** • No food served and no outside food allowed • Full bar available (wine, spirits, non-alcoholic drinks allowed in theaters) • If you want to eat, plan to do so before the show — many nearby options • Some of us may grab a bite. I’ll post updates closer to the date **Trial in the Delta: the Murder of Emmett Till** 🎶 About the Production On September 20, 1955, testimony began in the murder trial of two members of Emmett Till’s lynch mob. What happened during that trial — and in the weeks and months surrounding it — would help ignite the Civil Rights Movement. Written by Willie Round & G. Riley Mills, directed by Anthony Moseley & Dana Anderson, this production is drawn directly from The State of Mississippi vs. Roy Bryant and J.W. Milam trial transcript. It plays as a live courtroom reenactment, featuring top Chicago actors seated among the audience. Join us as we witness this vital story — and stay to discuss its impact and legacy. **🏛️ About Collaboraction & the Kimball Arts Center** Collaboraction celebrates **30 years** of innovative, socially conscious theater and opens its new **House of Belonging** in Humboldt Park. The space includes: • 🎭 99-seat flexible studio theater • 🍷 50-seat cabaret with café/bar • 🏙️ Located next to the **606 Trail**, where Logan Square meets Humboldt Park Collaboraction’s work is grounded in **KEDA** — *Knowledge, Empathy, Dialogue, and Action* — theater for social change. **Kimball Arts Center** Kimball Arts Center is a hub of Chicago creativity located next to the 606 Trail, where Logan Square meets Humboldt Park. Home to a collection of independent businesses for over 15 years. Always inclusive. Always open-minded. 🚗 Parking: Metered street parking nearby; SpotHero/ParkWhiz recommended 🚇 CTA accessible https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/ ❗ **No-Show Policy** 3 no-shows without RSVP updates = 3-month event freeze. 🎭✨ **This is a true Theater Week steal — grab your ticket before it’s gone!**

*Before and After, an instant drama* **Fridays/Saturdays, 7:30 PM, January 30-February 21** Life is defined in moments. *Before and After* explores the story leading to a life-changing event and the impact of that instant on all that is to follow. Are we truly changed by the big moments in our lives, or are we only revealed? No two performances are ever the same, but every show is an instant drama created before your eyes. Theatre Momentum is the **only** theatre in Chicago dedicated to dramatic improvisation. Join us for a night of grounded instant theatre. Fridays/Saturdays, 7:30 PM (doors open at 7 PM) January 30-February 21 All tickets $5! Studio Momentum, 1541 W Belmont Ave ### **Get your tickets!** **[https://www.theatremomentum.com/shows](https://www.theatremomentum.com/shows)**

Join Golden Glove Champ and Pro Judge Andrew for a fun and informative group boxing class at a real MMA gym. It takes a couple minutes to prep, so try to arrive no later than 8:45am sign-in! $20 for meetup members ($30 normally)

💗 Let’s celebrate Valentine’s Day starting with a yummy breakfast. Yay! 💗 LOCATION Portage Park Breakfast Place 5040 W Montrose Ave, Chicago **meeting 915 for 930 seating** **It's cash only as we will have separate checks.** Google maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XnGCasE2Vr7BoBYE7?g_st=ic Valentine’s Day is one of my favorite holidays and getting people together to celebrate is the best. Come celebrate with us. After breakfast if anyone wants to continue with more spontaneous fun I’m a yes. Let’s bring ideas to breakfast. 🙂 Happy Valentine’s Day. We look forward to celebrating with you. 💗

This celebrated documentary explores Audre Lorde's connections to Germany and her lasting friendships with Black German activists and poets. *Dir. Dagmar Schultz* *Germany, 2012, 79 min.* *Digital Format* *In English and German with English and German subtitles* [REGISTER HERE](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/audre-lorde-the-berlin-years-1984-1992-free-film-screening-tickets-1981594842517?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl) The poet, writer, and activist **Audre Lorde** was born February 18th, 1934, to Caribbean immigrant parents in New York City. This February, to celebrate the birthday of the self-described "Black, lesbian, feminist, socialist, mother, warrior, poet," join us for a screening of **AUDRE LORDE: THE BERLIN YEARS 1984-1992** to learn more about her connections to Germany and Black German activism. The film will be introduced by **Bryana Jones**, Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Black Studies at Northwestern University, who will reflect on Lorde's significance to the development of Black feminist and queer theory and her connections to international movements for social justice. This documentary explores a little-known chapter of the writer’s prolific life, a period in which she helped ignite the Afro-German Movement and made lasting contributions to the German political and cultural scene before and after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Lorde mentored and encouraged Black German women to write and publish as a way of asserting their identities, rights and culture in a society that isolated and silenced them, while she challenged white German women to acknowledge and constructively use their white privilege. This documentary contains previously unreleased audiovisual material from director Dagmar Schultz’s personal archive, including stunning images of Audre Lorde off stage. With testimony from Lorde’s colleagues, students and friends, this film documents Lorde’s lasting legacy in Germany. The film includes appearances from, among others, May Ayim, Katharina Oguntoye, Gloria I. Joseph, Ilona Bubeck, and Traude Bührmann, as well as Ika Hügel-Marshall and Ria Cheatom, both of whom collaborated on the making of this film. **ABOUT THE SPEAKER** **Bryana Jones** is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Black Studies at Northwestern University. With a background in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, Bryana has taught courses at Georgia State University, Spelman College, and Northwestern University, including a recent critical theory and literature course titled "The Poetics and Erotics of Audre Lorde." Bryana's research interests include Black queer and trans feminisms; queer masculinities; affect; storytelling and/as theory; Lordean poetics and erotics; and the historical development of racialized genders and sexualities in U.S. and non-U.S. contexts. Her current project theorizes how queer Black people mobilize affect and feeling to articulate gendered and sexed ways of being outside of and beyond white supremacist constraint. *Light refreshments will be served. This event is free and open to the public, but please [register in advance via Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/audre-lorde-the-berlin-years-1984-1992-free-film-screening-tickets-1981594842517?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl) and bring a state- or federally-issued photo ID for check-in in our lobby.*

The relationship between America's civilian leaders and its military is evolving, raising questions about the role of the armed forces in national life. Debates over civilian control, the military's place in politics, and the social contract between citizen and soldier are prompting a closer look at assumptions that have guided this relationship for generations. How are these boundaries shifting? What does it mean for military readiness and national security? Join Kori Schake in conversation with Leslie Vinjamuri as they examine how civil-military relations are changing as the United States approaches its 250th anniversary. This event is hosted by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. We from the Geopolitical Forum can continue the conversation and hang out past 6:30, the scheduled end time of the event, perhaps over a drink or dinner. Please register for free at: https://www.cvent.com/d/x3q8gt/4W?_gl=1\*1p4sx7l\*_ga\*MTYyMjgyMjE4NC4xNzI5ODI4MDQ2\*_ga_2YZ9YVDY8F\*czE3NjYyMDU3MTQkbzI5NSRnMSR0MTc2NjIwODcxMSRqNjAkbDAkaDA.\*_gcl_au\*MjA0NjkxMjA2Ni4xNzU4NzA1Mzgx\*_ga_R51EMY3K4S\*czE3NjYyMDU3MTQkbzI5NiRnMSR0MTc2NjIwODcxMSRqNjAkbDAkaDA.. Act sooner rather than later, while there are still seats left. Please also RSVP here to help us find one another at the event.

The US Constitution and its Framers hold a uniquely venerated position in American democracy. But as the nation marks its 250th anniversary, fundamental questions about the Constitution's role in today's world have emerged. Does the Constitution still protect the rights and freedoms it was designed to guarantee? What makes the American constitutional system different from other democracies? And what determines whether a constitution remains resilient when tested? Join legal scholars Tom Ginsburg and Aziz Huq for a conversation about what American constitutionalism means in practice today. About the Speakers This event is hosted by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. We from the Geopolitical Forum can continue the conversation after the event, perhaps over a drink or dinner. Please register for free at: https://www.cvent.com/d/23qd5y/4W?_gl=1\*ewy5to\*_ga\*MTYyMjgyMjE4NC4xNzI5ODI4MDQ2\*_ga_2YZ9YVDY8F\*czE3NzA4NTgyOTYkbzM1MSRnMSR0MTc3MDg1ODc0OCRqNjAkbDAkaDA.\*_gcl_au\*MTE0OTc5MTUyMC4xNzY2NTI1MDAz\*_ga_R51EMY3K4S\*czE3NzA4NTgyOTYkbzM1MiRnMSR0MTc3MDg1ODc0OCRqNjAkbDAkaDA.. Act sooner rather than later, while there are still seats left. Please also RSVP here to help us find one another at the event.

I'm a big fan of Michael Smerconish, the political commentator known for his balanced, centrist perspective. You might know him from SiriusXM, his podcast, or his Saturday morning show on CNN. His SiriusXM show opens with Stealers Wheel’s “Clowns to the left of me, Jokers to the right…”—a perfect nod to his middle-ground philosophy. Michael often talks about how political polarization has grown as people stop mingling across lines. Too many of us retreat into echo chambers online instead of connecting through community activities—like bowling leagues, softball teams, or local clubs. He encourages listeners to get out, meet new people, and engage in friendly debate, open conversation, and active listening. The goal isn’t to win an argument, but to genuinely understand one another and enjoy the process of exchanging ideas. With that spirit in mind, join me for a Mingle Meet-Up on **Sunday, February 22, 2025 at [Sketchbook Brewing Company in Skokie](https://www.sketchbookbrewing.com/) (note: they have two locations!) starting at 4:00 PM CST.** While politics might come up, the real goal is simple: bring together a diverse group of people to relax, connect, and enjoy good company. Whether you agree or disagree, this is a space for open-minded discussion, sharing perspectives, and listening with respect. If you’re new to Michael’s work, [check out his website](https://www.smerconish.com/), sign up for his daily newsletter, or tune into his show. And for the backstory on this whole “Mingle” idea, here’s the short film that started it all: 🎥 [The Mingle Movie](https://youtu.be/0Hx9NRR8Z3s?si=_gzPFPpdQcQZHjjM) Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right… stuck in the middle with you.

Join us at our next event helping our community. Mujeres Latinas en Accion is part of a local network of non-profits who are in need of volunteers to help people fill their Citizenship applications. **Where will this take place?** * Instituto del Progreso Latino, near Little Village **How long will event be?** * The non-profit holds event from 8am - 2pm but they ask volunteers to commit to at least 4 hours. The more volunteers, the shorter the workshop. **What do you need to do?** * Step 1: Send an email to [[email protected]](http://[email protected]/) so I can connect you to my contact at the Non-Profit. * Step 2: Fill out required volunteer application you'll receive from non-profit. * Step 3: Attend a mandatory training the Wednesday before. * Step 4: Show up! You can volunteer all year long as they hold these workshops on a monthly basis. Dates with corresponding training listed below. Duties are primarily to assist in filling out the N- 400 Citizenship application, translate (if you're bilingual), fill out fee waivers, etc. Workshop Date / Zoom Training Date: * 02/18 / 02/21 * 03/18 / 03/21 * 04/15 / 04/18 * 05/13 / 05/16 * 06/10 / 06/13 **As always, update your rsvp if your plans change.** **If this is your 2nd event, your $10 annual member fee is due. Cash is preferred.**

Zoom link and more details of the topic to come. **Speaker: Ian Crawford Kelly** An American retired Foreign Service Officer and Ambassador, Kelly is currently serving as the Ambassador in Residence at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. He is an American former statesman and senior foreign service officer who last served as the United States Ambassador to Georgia from 2015 to 2018. He previously served as the U.S. ambassador to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) from 2010 to 2013. Prior to his ambassadorship, Kelly held a variety of high-level roles at the U.S. State Department, including serving as the department spokesman under Secretary Hillary Clinton.

Did you know that, nationally, those who prioritize environmental issues tend to have low voting rates? That needs to change! CCL is partnering with the Environmental Voter Project to get out the vote in Pennsylvania. We will be writing postcards to environmentally-minded voters to get them engaged in their upcoming election. You will be given a script, so no worries about what to write. Contacting voters directly has a proven record of success – the more postcards, the more voters go to the polls. So join us in the name of the planet! Have a drink, and enjoy the camaraderie. If you’re able, please bring a packet of stamps to help send the postcards. Standard 'forever stamps' will work, but you can also find **POSTCARD stamps** that are less expensive. Bringing stamps is not required. See you there!