Category: Chicago Stories
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Papa Was a Free Man: Fatherhood, Freedom, and the Fight for Recognition on Juneteenth
By Christopher Tru Hood Chicago, IL — The sun beats harder on Father’s Day weekends when Juneteenth is near. The air feels heavier—not just from the heat rising off the streets of Chicago but from the weight of memory, history, and unspoken truths. For Black fathers like me, these two holidays—though separate on the calendar—collide…
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Being Chosen to Strive: A Reflection on Purpose, Passion, and Persistence
Being Chosen to Strive: A Reflection on Purpose, Passion, and Persistence By Christopher Tru Hood Some people are hired. Others are called. I’ve come to realize—I’m the latter. Called to serve. Called to create. Called to lead. Called to build. Last week, someone asked me if I could run a photography workshop. I said, without…
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The Ones Who Made It: From the Streets of Chicago to the Cap and Gown
The Ones Who Made It: From the Streets of Chicago to the Cap and Gown By Christopher Tru Hood | Photojournalist, Tru Hood Studio LLC “I didn’t know the bigger picture when I started. I just knew I had to make it.” — Adonte, Class of 2025 A high school diploma in Chicago isn’t just…
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Music as a Lifeline – The Evolution of Christopher Tru Hood
Music has always been more than just sound to me—it’s been a lifeline, a constant companion through every twist and turn of my journey. From the moment I first sang, I felt the magnetic pull of melody and rhythm, a force that would later shape my identity as an artist. I remember my early days…
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The Power of Visual Storytelling – Cinematography & Photography
The seeds of my passion for visual storytelling were planted early on, nurtured by the inspiring presence of my family. My mother, an actress with a penchant for capturing every fleeting moment on her Fujifilm camera, and my uncle, a sports photographer who documented the legends like Walter Payton, both instilled in me an appreciation…
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The Art of Storytelling Through Multiple Mediums
I’ve always believed that storytelling is the heartbeat of life—a way to communicate the struggles, dreams, and triumphs that define who we are. From the moment I first stepped on a stage at the age of five, performing in school plays and singing at local events, I knew that my voice and my vision needed…
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Journalism and Podcasting – Giving a Voice to the Voiceless
I’ve always felt a deep responsibility to use my voice—not just for my own creative expression, but to amplify the voices that often go unheard. My journey into journalism and podcasting was driven by this calling, a desire to shine a light on the stories of everyday people and the issues that shape our world.…
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The Influence of Family and Faith on My Journey
Family and faith are the twin pillars that have sustained me through every high and low in my life. Growing up surrounded by the creative energy of my mother and the inspiring legacy of my uncle, I was immersed in a world where art and spirituality went hand in hand. My earliest memories are filled…