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Celebrate Black History Month with Chicago’s favorite neighborhood historian, Shermann “Dilla” Thomas!
This Black History Month, take a look at Chicago like you've never seen it before from the lens of Chicago historian and social media phenom, Shermann "Dilla" Thomas. In the half-hour special, Black History Verified, you get an insider's look into how African American culture and influence worked to shape Chicago into what it is today.
CW26's Brandon Pope and Dilla team up to take a tour through the South Side, highlighting some of the most important landmarks in Chicago's history. They visit the birthplace of Black History Month and get a look at a decades-old mural depicting the hopes and dreams of African Americans during the Great Migration. Dilla highlights unsung pioneers like Oscar Micheaux, the first Black feature filmmaker, and Fritz Pollard, the first Black NFL coach.
Black History Verified also shows you the faithful resilience of Pilgrim Baptist Church after a fire gutted the sanctuary where Gospel Music was born. Plus, Dilla and Brandon chat with legendary basketball coach William “Wolf” Nelson about the sport’s cultural impact in Chicago and his time coaching NBA great Kevin Garnett.