Dr. King and the Prairie State: The overlooked chapter

While Martin Luther King Jr. was a well-known figure in the South in his fight for civil rights during the 1960s, there is more than meets the eye to how Illinois added to his legacy during that time.

Following the march from Selma to Montgomery and the infamous Bloody Sunday in 1965, King set his sights on Chicago as the focus of his new campaign to combat housing, economic and educational segregation – called the Chicago Freedom Movement.

Along with a young Jesse Jackson, Dr. King set up offices in different churches across Bronzeville, including the Fellowship Baptist Church, New Friendship Baptist and Stone Temple Baptist. To demonstrate his commitment to the campaign and the issues at stake, Dr. King moved his family into one of the neglected tenements in North Lawndale. Although the house no longer exists, the location is now the site of the Dr. King Legacy Apartments and Fair Housing Exhibit Center.

Dr. King’s campaign in 1965 had demonstrated the hostility that white Chicagoans had for King and his movement, trying to preserve the power structure that had kept whites in power for decades in the City of Broad Shoulders. During a nonviolent march through an all-white neighborhood in August 1966, Dr. King and the marchers encountered racially fueled hostility. Dr. King was struck by a rock amongst the bottles and bricks being thrown at marchers. Dr. King noted that, though he had seen many demonstrations, the hostility shown in Chicago was unlike anything he had ever seen.

Despite the racial tensions and the hostile attitudes brewing in Chicago, Mayor Richard J. Daley bowed to the pressure that the marches were putting on him to do something about the race riots and violence that came with the demonstrations. Daley negotiated with housing boards to create a summit agreement where the Chicago Housing Authority promised to build affordable housing and the Mortgage Bankers Association agreed to make mortgages available to people, regardless of race.

Although Chicago city officials failed to make good on their promise for increased housing equity despite the summit agreement, it is no secret that the actions taken here by Dr. King would lead to the federal Fair Housing Act of 1968, which was signed shortly after his assassination. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy in Illinois was not only one of hostility and broken promises but also one of empowerment and determination for African Americans across the nation.

Illinois public universities reach highest enrollment in a decade

Illinois’ public universities have reached their highest enrollment rate over the past 10 years, with 190,000 students enrolled this past fall, signaling renewed confidence in higher education across the state. According to recently released data, total enrollment at Illinois’ 12 public universities increased this fall, continuing a positive trend from last year's numbers, which reflects growing student interest in Illinois institutions.

The enrollment growth spans undergraduate and transfer students, with all public universities reporting gains. Undergraduate enrollment, in particular, increased, driven by higher numbers of first-time, full-time freshmen and transfer students choosing to attend college in Illinois. These gains highlight the success of outreach efforts to keep Illinois students in-state while also attracting learners from beyond its borders.

One of the most notable aspects of the enrollment increase is the growth among students from historically underrepresented backgrounds. The data shows higher participation from Black, Latino and first-generation college students, reinforcing efforts to make higher education more accessible and inclusive statewide. At the same time, graduate and professional program enrollment rose, reflecting sustained interest in advanced degrees tied to workforce needs.

Universities across Illinois play a vital role in their communities, serving as major employers, research hubs and cultural centers. Increased enrollment strengthens campus life while supporting local economies, from housing and dining to jobs and regional development. These institutions also contribute to Illinois’ long-term workforce pipeline by preparing students for careers in education, healthcare, technology, agriculture and public service.

For students and families considering college options, the enrollment surge underscores the broad appeal and value of Illinois’ public universities. From large research institutions to regional campuses, the state offers diverse academic opportunities rooted in community engagement and practical career pathways.

As Illinois’ public universities continue to grow, these enrollment milestones point to a stronger future for higher education across the state—one where opportunity and academic excellence remain central to the Illinois experience.

Illinois’ State Tree – white oak

In 1908, Illinois schoolchildren voted for the State Tree. They could select from native oak, maple and elm. The native oak was chosen as the State Tree. There are many kinds of oak in Illinois, so a special vote was taken in 1973 to pick the type of oak for the State Tree. Schoolchildren voted to make the white oak the Official State Tree of Illinois.

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New Year’s Rockin’ Eve is coming to Chicago

For the first time since 1972, Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve will broadcast live from downtown Chicago, putting the city on a national stage as viewers across the U.S. ring in 2026.

Traditionally set in Times Square in New York City, the beloved New Year’s Eve special has become a cultural institution. Celebrating its 55^th year, the broadcast is taking on a historic expansion with Chicago hosting the Central Time Zone live countdown and a Spanish-language live broadcast from Puerto Rico.

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