Erica Thompson

Black Chicagoans embrace the quarter-zip trend while discussing its meaning Critics say participants of the trend are making themselves more acceptable for white, mainstream society. But quarter-zip enthusiasts say their intention is to be fashionable, build self-confidence a...

Really interesting story from @ericathompson.bsky.social - Black Chicagoans embrace the quarter-zip trend while discussing its meaning chicago.suntimes.com/entertainmen...

I also had a lovely time interviewing several noteworthy Rolling Stone journalists. On Friday, I’ll be sending a copy of the paper to subscribers of my Prince newsletter, “A Purple Day in December.” Click here to sign up: eepurl.com/gdTiuL 4/4

I unpacked Prince’s statement by studying Rolling Stone’s coverage of the musician, as well as the magazine’s history. My paper reveals how race, culture, artistry, commercial appeal and shifts in the music industry have influenced the publication’s process of featuring artists. 3/4

I was intrigued by a comment Prince made to Entertainment Weekly in 2004: “It took me four albums to get on the cover of Rolling Stone, now it takes artists only one. There should be rules for that kind of thing!” (It actually took five albums.) 2/4

In 2011, I submitted an academic paper, “An Analysis of Rolling Stone’s Coverage of Prince, 1978-2004,” to the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication. 1/4

There are probably other Prince eras I would give the slightest edge to musically, but this is the one I feel most aligned with philosophically. Looking forward to reading your full take on it!!

You can hear me discuss “Sexuality,” one of Prince’s key songs of this era, on a 2021 episode of “The Press Rewind – Prince Lyrics Podcast.” 4/4

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I most enjoyed learning about the origins of his recurring concept of “the dawn” (not on record yet, but something he was already toying with according to those who knew him) and some of his spiritual experiences offstage. 3/4

His “early doctrine” is really encapsulated in this trio of albums: “Dirty Mind,” “Controversy” and “1999.” Over this period, you can hear him establishing a philosophy of liberation through sexual freedom, while gradually introducing Christian ideology. 2/4

Tracking #Prince’s spiritual path means following the music. And with nearly 40 studio albums, he had a lot to say. After years of studying his discography & comments in interviews, as well as talking to people who knew him, I’ve organized his journey into six phases. 1/4

Carl Sandburg’s ‘Chicago’ poem finds fresh relevance in a city occupied by ICE Known for praising the city with “big shoulders,” the beloved 1914 composition recently was recited in a ruling addressing federal immigration agents’ use of force. Literary scholars say they were “as...

“I was both astounded and mesmerized."

Carl Sandburg’s ‘Chicago’ poem finds fresh relevance in a city occupied by ICE.

From @ericathompson.bsky.social via @chicago.suntimes.com: chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...

Have Chicago’s top arts organizations fulfilled their diversity pledges? Many won’t say. Five years ago, the murder of George Floyd sparked a rallying cry for change, with arts groups vowing to diversify their staffs and boards. A recent WBEZ/Chicago Sun-Times survey takes measure of prog...

Have Chicago’s top arts organizations fulfilled their diversity pledges?

I surveyed the 21 largest revenue earners about the diversity of their boards and staffs in 2021 and 2025. Only seven fully participated. Learn more in my story for @chicago.suntimes.com.

chicago.suntimes.com/entertainmen...

I wanted to see how D’Angelo would continue to evolve as part of this lineage. It was heartbreaking to put “late” in front of his name in my book yesterday. 4/4

Whether they are serving as inspirations or cautionary tales, these men are all teachers. And the Black artists coming after them can use the lessons. 3/4

One of my favorite sections is about Prince’s “spiritual predecessors”: Little Richard, Marvin Gaye and Al Green. There are obvious musical comparisons to be made, but I’m more interested in examining how they navigated the sacred and profane in their art and in their lives. 2/4

I’m currently revising my book on #Prince’s spiritual journey before I finish writing the last few chapters. Part of the process is trimming this massive draft down just a little bit. 1/4

Downstate jury finds ex-cop guilty of murdering Sonya Massey during fatal shooting in her home The second-degree murder conviction against former deputy sheriff Sean Grayson, who is white, carries a potential sentence of between four and 20 years.

A downstate Peoria jury convicted a white, ex-cop of second-degree murder Wednesday for fatally shooting unarmed Sonya Massey in her Springfield area home.

Inspired by a student protest, Chicago History Museum debuts exhibition about Latino history In 2019, Instituto Justice and Leadership Academy students saw a need for more Latino representation at the museum. Their dream has been realized with “Aquí en Chicago," which opened Saturday.

"We’ve always been here." Inspired by a student protest, Chicago History Museum debuts exhibition about Latino history
chicago.suntimes.com/chicago-hist..., reports @ericathompson.bsky.social

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It’s best to remember his process, genius and impact. Rest in peace.

- Photo of D'Angelo taken by me at Bonnaroo 2015. (4/10)

I eventually landed a placement, completed the interviews, wrote the piece and received payment. But the article was never released. I’m sharing it for the first time because it’s really all I can offer right now after finding out that another one of my favorite artists has died. (3/10)

That is exactly what happened when “Unshaken” was discovered in the 2018 video game “Red Dead Redemption 2.” I was at a doctor’s appointment freaking out. I immediately grabbed my phone and fired off emails to do interviews with D’Angelo’s co-writers before I even pitched a publication. (2/10)

When D’Angelo dropped music, the world stopped.

I’m not even talking about the fervor around “Black Messiah,” which is my favorite among his albums. Even an appearance on a song in a video game could set the internet on fire. (1/10)

From music to art, is Chicago's tradition of free fall fests at risk? From the Englewood Jazz Festival to Afrofuturist Weekend, Chicago events are facing financial challenges due to the cancellation of National Endowment for the Arts grants.

From the Englewood Jazz Festival to Afrofuturist Weekend, Chicago events are facing financial challenges due to the cancellation of National Endowment for the Arts grants. Read more in my story for @chicago.suntimes.com.

📷 Pat Nabong

chicago.suntimes.com/entertainmen...

Photos: Vespa enthusiasts show off their personality and style during annual Chicago rally Now in its 31st year, the gathering brings together hundreds of scooterists for rides, concerts, parties, banquets and more over Labor Day Weekend.

Fun story about the Vespa subculture in Chicago and beyond by @ericathompson.bsky.social with photos by Pat Nabong

#Slaughterhouse31

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