Efrain Soriano

“The day before Independence Day, the summer sun beat down on dozens of clothes and shoes strewn across the backyard and fence of the Cicero, Illinois, home where Delia and Ramon Vasquez have lived for over 20 years. “

“Following a raucous feet-stomping performance at the annual Fiesta Del Sol in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood, Mariachi Sirenas are greeted by a gaggle of excited festivalgoers backstage.”

“The crowd waited patiently on the second floor of the South Asia Institute on a Friday evening in June. Everyone quickly claimed a seat as the lights began to dim. Ankit Khadgi went on stage to share his own story of queer awakening, guilt, and acceptance in a piece titled “The Shameless Queer Guy.””

“Over the past couple of years Cicero has seen many changes to its parks and recreation centers. Such as new playgrounds, the ongoing renovation of Manor pool and the upcoming construction of the new Inclusion Park. However, in spite of all the new additions, many youth asked questions about the basketball courts in Cicero which seemed to have become a forgotten element of the parks.”