The CornerStore

The Cornerstore spoke with William Camargo about growing up around Disneyland, photojournalism as a way to travel and get to know people, and his ever-growing ability to document history/taking images as a means of re-remembering.

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The Cornerstore spoke with WGN’s own Rick Kogan about the beginnings of his journalism/broadcasting career, formidable experiences in the UK, and documenting notable characters of Chicago, and more.

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The Cornerstore spoke with José Olivarez & Willie Perdomo, 2 editors of The Breakbeat Poets Vol. 4: LatiNext, about their current experience with releasing this new anthology into the world right now. José & Willie also express what kind of conversations they hope this book will cause; what it was like working so closely together; and much more.

Stay connected with The Cornerstore on Twitter, Instagram,and Soundcloud! You can also access and download episodes via Spotify and Apple!

• Poet José Olivarez
• Poet Willie Perdomo at his home in Exeter, NH

The Cornerstore spoke with visual artist Yvette Mayorga, about the shift she’s experienced with her creation process during the stay-at-home order. Yvette also touches on her various techniques and use of different color pallets throughout her work, using her art to bring awareness to complexities and intersectionalities, and more.

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• courtesy of the artist
• courtesy of the artist
• courtesy of the artist

The Cornerstore spoke with writer and visual artist, Krista Franklin, about her experience thus far during this quarantine and her relationship with time. Krista also shares details about her latest book, Too Much Midnight,; her love for science fiction and Afrofuturism; and much more.

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• Krista Franklin – Do Androids

This week the Cornerstore spoke with Bambi Banks-Couleé & Khloe Park, 2 of the 4 founders of Unfriendly Black Hotties. Bambi and Khloe share the history of Unfriendly Black Hotties, the transition to holding virtual drag shows, the importance of confidence and sisterhood in drag, and much more.

The Unfriendly Black Hotties host a monthly drag show every 4th Friday of the month at Splash Chicago in Boystown. To learn more and/or to support their work, follow the founders on Instagram: Bambi Banks-Couleé, Khloe Park, Miss Toto, and Kenzie Couleé.

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As we continue our quarantine interviews, Kevin speaks with Kristen Kaza (Party Producer and Community Enthusiast) about her continuous efforts to host cultural events within the virtual world. Kristen talks about making the monthly SloMo Party, typically hosted at The Whistler, into a virtual party that has now honed the name SloMo From Homo; the challenges of postponing and completely cancelling events; re-evaluating what it means to host accessible occasions, and much more.

SloMo Party takes place every 3rd Thursday of the month and while we continue to social distance, SloMo Party will virtually host their event via Instagram and Facebook Live. The next SloMo From Homo is Thursday, April 16th. To learn more visit: www.slomoparty.com

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• Corey DeWald for “Queer the Pier” at Navy Pier
• Photo Cred: Jaclyn Rivas or @cosmicghost at @reunionchi; Queer Comedy Night
• Photo Credit: Mercedes Zapata – Jamila Woods listening party
• Photo Credit: Jaclyn Rivas @cosmicghost – Dyke Bar Project
• Glitter Guts for @slomoparty “Slomotel NYE” at the Ace Hotel
• MCA 50th Anniversary – Lupe Fiasco

As we continue to practice safe quarantine procedures, Kevin spoke with Alex, Community Organizer for Chicago Votes, via a virtual call to learn more about how she and other organizers are handling the transition into virtual conversation in order to complete their work.

Alex also talks advocating for incarcerated individuals amidst this pandemic, the work of Chicago Votes and encouraging young voters to get to the polls, and much more.

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On this episode, Kevin Coval and Mercedes Zapata talk with Max The Snacktor as he shares insight into his upbringing in LA; his visual artistry and being the co-founder of Chicago Sleepers; working with Young Chicago Authors and the various shows he’s curated; and much more.

Max is leaving Chicago to return back home to LA and begin working with the great people at Secret Walls. The team can’t thank him enough for all that he has done and will continue to do for the art world. This isn’t farewell, this is see you later!

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In a special live edition of the Cornerstore, authors Raych Jackson and Idris Goodwin read from and speak about their new books, “Even the Saints Audition” & “Can I Kick It.”

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• Idris Goodwin
• Raych Jackson