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MLK Commemoration

MLK Commemoration 2025 Keynote Speaker

 Shermann "Dilla" Thomas will be joined in conversation by Natalie Moore, senior lecturer and director of audio journalism programming at the Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications.

When: January 21, 2025 at 5:00pm CST

Where: Mary B Galvin Recital Hall,
70 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston, IL 60208

Event is free and open to the public

Shermann "Dilla" Thomas is a proud lifelong resident of Chicago’s South Side. He founded Chicago Mahogany Tours to provide tours that allow him to share Chicago’s neighborhood history, architecture and culture with visitors. He also offers history lessons and lectures to students, Fortune 500 companies and partners with Chicago’s professional sports teams.

His passion for storytelling has led to the creation of more than 400 videos highlighting stories of Chicago under his social media accounts @6figga_dilla, presenting his captivating style of storytelling from an insider’s perspective. Thomas aims to chronicle the history of all 77 of Chicago’s neighborhoods.

Thomas lives by the motto: “Everything dope about America comes from Chicago.”

In recognition for his work promoting Chicago globally, Thomas has received numerous honors, including being named Tourism Ambassador of the Year by Choose Chicago. He was also awarded the 2022 Studs Terkel Uplifting Voices Award by Public Narrative and the prestigious 21st Century Award by The Chicago Public Library.

Nationally, Thomas has appeared on “The Today Show” and “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” and his work has been featured in the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, and other international publications.