Words & images: dr. april l. graham-jackson & Roderick E. Jackson
Sound installation: Produced by Roderick E. Jackson
Published: July 2025
Summertime Chi is a documentary photo essay by artist and scholar duo Dr. april l. graham-jackson and Roderick E. Jackson that captures the full activation of Black Chicago during the city’s most jubilant season. After enduring the brutal winter “hawk,” Black Chicagoans reclaim their city-region, turning it into a wondrous land of festivals, block parties, lakefront gatherings, and porch-side socializing. Through their photography and sound installation, the Jacksons document how Black folks absorb, consume, and delight in chicagoland—from historically Black Bongo Beach to backyard BBQs, corner store hangs to Lake Shore Drive cruises.
Read More
