Celebrating Black History Month: Historical Illinois-born black figures

• Black History Month

Black history month is a great opportunity to highlight the influence that many African Americans have on not just the world – but also right here in Illinois. To celebrate this Black History Month, we are highlighting Illinois-born Black figures that have made an impact throughout history.

Lorraine Hansberry (May 19, 1930- Jan. 12, 1965) was the first African American women to have a play performed on Broadway. Chicago-born Hansberry’s play “A Raisin in the Sun” opened on Broadway in 1959. This play won New York Drama Critics' Circle best play of 1959, making her the first Black woman to win.

Ramsey Lewis is a jazz composer and pianist from Chicago born May 27, 1935. Lewis has won three Grammys, seven Gold Records, a Lifetime Achievement Award, and many other awards for his notable work in jazz.  In 1957, Lewis formed the Ramsey Lewis Trio. This trio included Isaac "Redd" Holt as the drummer and Eldee Young as the bassist. Some of his popular songs are “The in Crowd” “Wade in the water” and “Hang on Sloopy”.

Oscar Micheaux (Jan. 2, 1884 – March 25, 1951) was a filmmaker from Metropolis who produced and directed over 44 films throughout his career. Micheaux became the first African American to produce a feature-length film. Micheaux used his films to portray Black people in a positive light and to display the struggles that they face. He was one of very few African American independent film makers to survive the sound era.

Katherine Dunham (June 22, 1909 – May 21, 2006) was a dancer and choreographer from Glen Ellyn. Dunham was one of the first African American women to attend University of Chicago and earn her bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in anthropology. Dunham’s interest for dance began while studying at the University of Chicago.  Dunham used her dances and choreography to express Black culture. Her dance company, the Katherine Dunham Company, performed on Broadway and in major American cities.

Albert Raby (Feb. 20, 1933 to Nov. 23, 1988) was an activist from Chicago who worked hard alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to bring the civil rights movement to Chicago. Dr. King had chosen to come to Chicago because he was impressed by Raby’s sincerity of is commitment. In 1962, Raby helped create the Coordinating Council of Community Organizations, which worked with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference to launch the Chicago Freedom Movement.

Centralia family restaurant takes a twist on two favorite cuisines

• Slideshow

On Oct. 23, 2020, Centralia became the home of an establishment that has adopted a new take on dining. Rather than dishing a single style of food, the Varela family has made a remarkable stride in incorporating Mexican and Chinese cuisine into a single location. The reason for this was to create a friendly atmosphere in which families, couples, and friends could all dine together while enjoying the best of both worlds.

“Chelbran’s is the only place in which you don’t have to bicker with your family about eating Mexican or Chinese for dinner because you’ll find both here. Your cravings will be satisfied.” Varela said. “Families can come together and as simple as it might sound, they can enjoy great food and conversation.”

The Varela family prides themselves on serving fresh Mexican and Chinese dishes. Everything is prepared daily, either upon request or in the mornings as the front doors are opening to welcome customers.

When traveling through Centralia, also recognized as Orphan Nation for their school’s mascot, one may come across this family restaurant’s distinctive, attention-getting emblem planted to the left of its cozy white brick building. The emblem consists of a large shield with the restaurant’s name surrounded by flames placed before two strong centaurs. Although centaurs are often perceived as controversial creatures throughout Greek mythology, it is certain that they are warriors. Centaurs are idealists who fight for what they believe in even if it does not fit within Greek standards.

Overall, the restaurant’s emblem represents an underlying familial message. The Varela parents, Salvador and Maria L. Serrano, have always emphasized the importance of perseverance to their children. They believe that regardless of the difficulty level of the obstacles one must overcome, it is important to keep pushing forward.

“Somos luchadores (We are fighters),” Maria Serrano said. “We wanted to demonstrate our determination and ability to prevail by creating this place. It is intended to encourage our children to dream big but also other people who are in need of a reminder that they too are capable.”

There are over 40 options on Chelbran’s vast menu. Special requests can also be made to the food manager, such as egg drop soup or huevos con chorizo. The services provided are bilingual in English and Spanish.

Bring your family and check out this sensational Illinoisan family restaurant!

Celebrate National Popcorn Day by grabbing a bite of Illinois’ state snack.

• National Popcorn Day

Today is National Popcorn Day – a day to grab Illinois’ state snack to celebrate. First originating in 1988, National Popcorn Day fell on the same day as the Super Bowl for years, giving people a fun way to celebrate the day.

Popcorn has special roots right here in Illinois. Since 2003, popcorn has been Illinois’ state snack. There are more than 300 popcorn farms throughout the state which led second and third grade students at Cunningham Elementary School to propose that popcorn become the state snack. Their teacher, Fran Hollister, helped get former Senator Larry Walsh to sponsor a measure to make popcorn the state snack.

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Illinois chef prepares to be a finalist on national TV

• Food
• Chopped
• Chef

Grace Goudie, an Illinois native, advanced to the season finale of “Chopped” following her latest win in the competition. She will soon face-off against the remaining competitors to see who will take home the $25,000 cash prize.

Goudie began her culinary journey as a teenager, waiting tables prior to studying journalism and food science at the University of Missouri. She attended the prestigious Culinary Institute in Napa, California, and participated in the Accelerated Culinary Arts Program. Following her graduation, she worked at a number of restaurants, then returned to the Chicago area.

Goudie later received the opportunity of a lifetime. She was hired by Thomas Keller, a chef known for his exceptionally high standards and accolades, to work in his restaurants as a sous chef at Ad Hoc and later at French Laundry, a three Michelin-starred restaurant.

Having to impress the renowned judges of “Chopped” is not the only challenge with which Goudie is familiar. Her participation was urged by her mother, who is currently fighting a battle with lymphoma, but despite having to beat out the contenders with an unconventional ingredient – fish heads – she was able to rise above the competition and put herself among the finalists.

Goudie is now an executive chef of the breakfast, lunch and dinner restaurant Scratchboard Kitchen in Arlington Heights, her first restaurant which she opened during the COVID-19 pandemic. At just 30 years old, she brings pride to cooks throughout Illinois by sharing her skills with the world on Facebook and YouTube. Her website features recipes and tutorial videos for chefs to try techniques and dishes from the comfort of their own home.

The season finale of “Chopped” will air Feb. 1 on the Food Network.