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Rennie Davis (1941 – 2021)
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Longtime political activist Rennie Davis died on Tuesday, February 2nd at his home in Colorado. He was best known for his role in as one of the “Chicago 7” co-conspirators charged with crossing state lines to incite a riot after the anti-war protests at the Democratic National Convention in 1968. All seven were acquitted from all charges by the Appellate Court. The cause of death was lymphoma, a condition that had been diagnosed only a few weeks before his death. In this … Continue reading →
In memory of Larry King (1933 – 2021)
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As we all reflect on the loss of Larry King, Media Burn offers a highlight of behind-the-scenes King, in conversation with Bill Clinton. Continue reading →
A 1992 conversation with Joe Biden
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As Joe Biden is set to be inaugurated on January 20th, Media Burn is highlighting a 1992 interview with the former Senator. Continue reading →
Dying of Red Tape: AIDS and the Fight for Lives Worth Saving
Blog
Last November, we shared a slice of media history with you: The AIDS Connection, an all-night special broadcast intended to address misinformation surrounding the AIDS virus in 1987. Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), was a featured panelist. Now, we’re sharing another historic example of the fight against AIDS – venturing outside the experts on television to protestors in the streets. ACT UP and other activist groups called on Dr. Fauci to provide equal access … Continue reading →
Hot Video with Chicago Conspiracy
Blog, Chicago
Never-before-released video of the Chicago Eight now brought to the public eye after 50 years Aaron Sorkin’s recent film, The Trial of the Chicago 7, has revived interest in the historical events which took place in Chicago between 1968 and 1970. During the entire trial between September 1969 and February 1970, seven of the eight defendants (Bobby Seale had been removed from the trial and left Chicago) gathered as a complete group only twice. The following video is a … Continue reading →
Celebrating living legend Timuel Black on his 102nd Birthday
Black, Blog
This week, Chicago historian and activist Timuel Black celebrated his 102nd birthday. Among his long list of accomplishments, Black brought Martin Luther King, Jr. to speak at University of Chicago in 1956, he worked on a campaign to get Harold Washington elected as Chicago’s mayor, and he fought tirelessly to end segregation in Chicago’s public schools. As he told Chicago Magazine, the secret to a long life is “Play some good music, drink a little Merlot, get some sleep, and … Continue reading →
“Fast Eddie” heads to jail a second time
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For decades, “Fast Eddie” Vrdolyak has been a controversial Chicago political powerhouse. Known for being a key figure in the Council Wars as one of the “three Eddies” who led a coalition of white aldermen intent on blocking Mayor Harold Washington’s initiatives, he already went to prison in 2008 for bribery. Now, Vrdolyak, 83, is once again heading to prison on charges of tax evasion stemming from fraudulent legal fees charged to the City of Chicago in the 1990s. In … Continue reading →
Streaming now: Joan Jett Blakk for President
Blog
At the heights of the AIDS epidemic, Joan Jett Blakk, the drag persona of performer and activist Terence Smith, ran a satirical campaign for mayor of Chicago and then later for President of the United States on the Queer Nation Party platform. Using hilarious banter and guerrilla tactics to bring queer issues to the national stage, Candidate Blakk made it all the way to the floor of the 1992 Democratic National Convention at Madison Square Garden. This 65-minute program, curated … Continue reading →