Did you know that June is Black Music Month? Illinois has a rich musical heritage from artists of every genre and is home to legends such as Sam Cooke, The Emotions, Jennifer Hudson and Chance the Rapper. This month, we honor their impact and the generations of Black artists who have contributed to music history.

Robert Francis Prevost has become the 267th occupant of the throne of St. Peter and he will be known as Leo XIV. Though he spent much of his life abroad, Pope Leo XIV hails from the Chicago area, where he grew up in Dolton just south of the city and attended a Catholic church and school on Chicago’s South Side.

Chicagoans quickly searched to figure out where Pope Leo XIV fit into the Windy City, which is home to hundreds of thousands of Catholics. Was he a fan of the White Sox or the Cubs? Was he from the city or the suburbs? More crucially, where did he attend church in his early years?

National Pick Strawberries Day falls on May 20. Strawberries are a summer fruit that are loved and cherished by many for the nostalgia of sunny days they bring. A fun activity in itself, strawberry picking allows for quality time to be spent with nature and loved ones.

To celebrate this day, here is a list of strawberry picking fields in Illinois:

National Zoo Lovers Day, celebrated on April 8 in the U.S., brings all the zoo animal enthusiasts together to celebrate this significant day. Zoos are more than just conservation sites for endangered species – they also provide educational, research and entertainment purposes. If you love animals, then this holiday is just for you. Visit a zoo nearby to find out about your favorite animals – you can also ask to volunteer at a zoo.

March 25 is recognized as National Medal of Honor Day.  The Medal of Honor is the United States' highest award for military valor in action. Symbolized within each medal are the values each recipient displayed in the moments that mattered — bravery, courage, sacrifice and integrity, as well as a deep love of country and a desire to always do what is right.

The Medal is authorized for military service members who  risk their lives in combat above and beyond the call of duty.

Illinois has had the great privilege to honor over 200 brave recipients of the Medal of Honor from all branches and ranks of the military.

President Bill Clinton presented James Lewis Day, who served as a United States Marine Corps Major General during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, with the Medal of Honor on Jan. 20, 1998.

Corporal Day was born Oct. 5, 1925, in East St. Louis. He enlisted in the Marine Corps as part of the 2nd Battalion, 22nd Marines, 6th Marine Division. He was presented with the Medal of Honor in recognition of his actions in combat on May 17, 1945 in Okinawa.