2025 University Program and Events
2025 MLK Commemoration
Keynote Address: Shermann "Dilla" Thomas
January 21, 20255:00pm CST
Mary B. Galvin Concert Hall
70 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston, IL 60208
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.
Alpha Phi Alpha Candlelight Vigil: The Honorable Michael Blake (BJ'04)
January 12, 20243pm CST
Alice Millar Chapel
1870 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60208
Event is free and open to the public
Michael Blake, a Medill School of Journalism alumnus and brother of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., is a leader in public service, economic empowerment, and civic engagement. As Founder and CEO of Atlas Strategy Group and a former New York State Assembly member, he champions opportunities for minority- and women-owned businesses and drives social justice initiatives. Blake's impactful career includes work in the Obama-Biden administration and programs like My Brother's Keeper.