South Side Untold: Meet the First Gospel Artist to Win a Grammy Award
Hint: She lived in the Chatham neighborhood on Chicago's South Side, and was widely known as the "Queen of Gospel."
Photo Credit: Rhinehart Media Group
Spring is here, and we want to keep you in the loop on what’s happening around the city!
Hey there, Chicago Southsiders,
Spring is blooming — and so are the stories of trailblazing women who shaped the South Side. And when it comes to legendary voices, Mahalia Jackson reigns supreme.
Did you know the “Queen of Gospel” once lived right here in Chatham? In 1956, she became one of the first Black homeowners in the neighborhood — and after racial tensions subsided, the area grew into a hub for successful Black business owners and bankers.
If you found that interesting, check out the rest of Mahalia Jackson’s story here and some things Chicagoans are doing to continue her legacy.
🎶 And if you're a music lover looking for a classy, elegant night out in Chicago, check out the U.S. premiere of Scott Joplin’s Treemonisha in May.
Even better — Chicago Southsider readers get discounted tickets! 🎟️
See details below.
Until next time,
Charlene Rhinehart
Publisher, Chicago Southsider
Sponsored By: Harris Theater
TREEMONISHA — Showing at the Harris Theater from May 2–4, 2025
Led by an extraordinary core creative team of Black women artists and performed by an all-Black cast and orchestra, Volcano’s Scott Joplin’s Treemonisha fuses a new story with Joplin’s original melodies for a vibrant, modern opera experience.
Black Carpet Night — May 2, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Kick off opening night with complimentary sparkling wine, a costume display, and a special performance by ragtime pianist Reginald Robinson. Free for ticket holders!
How to Redeem Exclusive Discount:
Use code “JOPLINCHICAGO” at checkout for 25% off tickets
Or call (312) 334-7777 and mention the offer
Offer expires Thursday, May 1, 2025 at 11:59PM.
Note: 25% discount is not valid for Premium or Zone A seating, or on previously purchased tickets. Limit 4 tickets per order. Handling fees apply. Artists and programming subject to change. All sales are final.
🔗 Click here to purchase tickets
Take our quick 1-minute survey for a chance to win a gift card!💥
As we start the beginning of Q2, I’m also reflecting on the future of Chicago Southsider and how we can best serve our community.
Managing the newsletter and website takes a lot of work, so we want to ensure our efforts align with your needs.
Please take a moment to complete our 1-minute survey here. Thank you to everyone who has taken our survey.
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The first 25 people to complete the survey will be entered into a drawing to win the gift card. The drawing will take place on Facebook Live on the Chicago Southsider Facebook page. Follow the page here to receive updates.
Champagne & Beyond: Celebrating Remarkable Women on Chicago’s South Side
Meet Chicago’s Allison Perkins-Caldwell: She has built a thriving empire that spans three daycare centers and two Edible Arrangements stores.
Remembering Midge Kimberly: A Trailblazer, Mentor, and PR Maven on Chicago’s South Side.
Remembering Chris-Tia Donaldson Founder & CEO of Thank God It’s Natural (TGIN).
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Chicago Southsider
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