Be Among the First to Hear Chicago’s City Council Audio Archives

Chicago historian Shermann “Dilla” Thomas became a social media sensation by sharing 60-second videos on Chicago’s history and culture. Dilla, a lifelong resident of the Auburn-Gresham neighborhood, graduated from Eastern Illinois University and is the founder of Chicago Mahogany Tours, taking people on bus tours to the historic neighborhoods of the South and West Sides of Chicago. Dilla has received several accolades, like Chicago’s Tourism Ambassador in 2022, the Chicago Public Library Foundation’s 21st Century Award and has presented history lessons and lectures at various institutions. 

Recently, he launched his YouTube series, “You Don’t Know Chi,” and took on a new role as the brand ambassador and social media chief for the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center. Dilla is helping change Chicago's narrative locally and nationally about its value to the world through the power of shared storytelling. 

Alderman Margaret Laurino is no stranger to public service, as she comes from a family with a long-standing tradition in Chicago politics. Ald. Laurino grew up on the city's Northwest Side and graduated from Northeastern Illinois University. She served as the alderman for the city’s 39th Ward for 24 years after being appointed by Mayor Richard M. Daley in 1995, succeeding her father, Alderman Anthony C. Laurino. 

During her time in office, Ald. Laurino led the effort to expand high-speed internet access for all city residents, securing legislation that requires ethics and sexual harassment prevention training in city government. She advocated for infrastructure projects in the 39th Ward, including the $70 million Albany Park Stormwater Tunnel, to prevent flooding, as well as the construction of a new police station, two new schools and two libr

Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia is a first-generation college graduate a with a focus on accessibility, transparency and equity in government. First sworn into office in January 2017, she oversees one of the largest offices in the City, serving 1.2 million Chicagoans and generating more than $130 million annually. Under Valencia’s leadership, the Office of the City Clerk prioritizes finding new and innovative ways to bring services directly to residents, improve inefficiencies, and collaborate across government in the private and public sectors. 

Under her leadership, Chicago launched its municipal ID program, known as CityKey, and expanded its access by building an online appointment system to guarantee residents a time and opportunity to apply. Clerk Valencia is also leading a first-of-its-kind City Council Modernization effort, which includes an e-voting system for the Chicago City Council, the first major U.S. city to implement e-voting. Additionally, she created the Chicago Status of Women and Girls Working Group, began Fines and Fees reform, and launched the NextGen City Council youth civic engagement program. 

As Clerk, Valencia also serves as a Trustee on the Chicago Fire Pension Board and Chairs the “Chicago With You” taskforce.