Erica Thompson
LightNews LightNews
banner
ericathompson.bsky.social
Erica Thompson
@ericathompson.bsky.social
1.1K followers 230 following 160 posts
Arts and culture writer for the Chicago Sun-Times. Former features editor of the Columbus Dispatch. Award-winning reporter on race and gender. #Prince biographer. Freelance writer.

https://ericawrites.com/
Posts Replies Media Videos
ericathompson.bsky.social
Have Chicago’s top arts organizations fulfilled their diversity pledges?

I surveyed the 21 largest revenue earners about the diversity of their boards and staffs in 2021 and 2025. Only seven fully participated. Learn more in my story for @chicago.suntimes.com.

chicago.suntimes.com/entertainmen...
Have Chicago’s top arts organizations fulfilled their diversity pledges? Many won’t say.
Five years ago, the murder of George Floyd sparked a rallying cry for change, with arts groups vowing to diversify their staffs and boards. A recent WBEZ/Chicago Sun-Times survey takes measure of prog...
chicago.suntimes.com
November 6, 2025 at 6:00 PM
ericathompson.bsky.social
I’m currently revising my book on #Prince’s spiritual journey before I finish writing the last few chapters. Part of the process is trimming this massive draft down just a little bit. 1/4
November 4, 2025 at 3:26 PM
Reposted by Erica Thompson
chicago.suntimes.com
A downstate Peoria jury convicted a white, ex-cop of second-degree murder Wednesday for fatally shooting unarmed Sonya Massey in her Springfield area home.
Downstate jury finds ex-cop guilty of murdering Sonya Massey during fatal shooting in her home
The second-degree murder conviction against former deputy sheriff Sean Grayson, who is white, carries a potential sentence of between four and 20 years.
trib.al
October 29, 2025 at 7:50 PM
Reposted by Erica Thompson
elviamalagon.bsky.social
"We’ve always been here." Inspired by a student protest, Chicago History Museum debuts exhibition about Latino history
chicago.suntimes.com/chicago-hist..., reports @ericathompson.bsky.social
Inspired by a student protest, Chicago History Museum debuts exhibition about Latino history
In 2019, Instituto Justice and Leadership Academy students saw a need for more Latino representation at the museum. Their dream has been realized with “Aquí en Chicago," which opened Saturday.
chicago.suntimes.com
October 27, 2025 at 11:50 PM
ericathompson.bsky.social
When D’Angelo dropped music, the world stopped.

I’m not even talking about the fervor around “Black Messiah,” which is my favorite among his albums. Even an appearance on a song in a video game could set the internet on fire. (1/10)
October 15, 2025 at 2:07 PM
ericathompson.bsky.social
From the Englewood Jazz Festival to Afrofuturist Weekend, Chicago events are facing financial challenges due to the cancellation of National Endowment for the Arts grants. Read more in my story for @chicago.suntimes.com.

📷 Pat Nabong

chicago.suntimes.com/entertainmen...
From music to art, is Chicago's tradition of free fall fests at risk?
From the Englewood Jazz Festival to Afrofuturist Weekend, Chicago events are facing financial challenges due to the cancellation of National Endowment for the Arts grants.
chicago.suntimes.com
September 24, 2025 at 2:59 PM
Reposted by Erica Thompson
szreports.bsky.social
Fun story about the Vespa subculture in Chicago and beyond by @ericathompson.bsky.social with photos by Pat Nabong

#Slaughterhouse31

chicago.suntimes.com/entertainmen...
Photos: Vespa enthusiasts show off their personality and style during annual Chicago rally
Now in its 31st year, the gathering brings together hundreds of scooterists for rides, concerts, parties, banquets and more over Labor Day Weekend.
chicago.suntimes.com
September 1, 2025 at 1:36 AM
ericathompson.bsky.social
Shout out to Lois Lane for using a digital recorder for her interview with Superman like the rest of us old reporters. I still haven't shifted to using my phone. 😂
August 26, 2025 at 6:43 PM
ericathompson.bsky.social
Honored to have won three NABJ Salute to Excellence awards: best business reporting, best specialty story & best national news - single story. I’m proud to share the latter with Frank Main and @elviamalagon.bsky.social. Grateful to the folks who let us tell their stories at @chicago.suntimes.com.
August 11, 2025 at 3:45 PM
ericathompson.bsky.social
From NBC’s “One Chicago” franchise to Netflix’s “Monster” series, locally filmed productions are relying on small businesses for props and set design. Here’s my story for @chicago.suntimes.com.

Photo by Tyler Pasciak LaRivier

chicago.suntimes.com/movies-and-t...
Chicago’s growing film industry a boon to local antique shops, prop houses
From NBC’s “One Chicago” franchise to Netflix’s “Monster” series, locally filmed productions are relying on small businesses for props and set design.
chicago.suntimes.com
August 8, 2025 at 7:16 PM
ericathompson.bsky.social
Who else has been boppin' to Ravyn Lenae's top ten hit, "Love Me Not"? The Chicago singer stopped by her alma mater, the Chicago High School for the Arts, for a Q&A today. The students were so excited! She plays Lollapalooza on Friday.

📷 Anthony Vazquez

chicago.suntimes.com/music/2025/0...
July 30, 2025 at 11:24 PM
ericathompson.bsky.social
Although R&B acts have appeared more consistently in the last 15 years at Lollapalooza, they typically only account for a small share of each lineup. And only a handful have ever reached headliner status. Read more in my story for @chicago.suntimes.com.

chicago.suntimes.com/music/2025/0...
Lollapalooza is tapping more into R&B, but few artists reach headliner status
This year’s lineup includes Chicago-raised artists BJ the Chicago Kid and Ravyn Lenae, as well as Durand Bernarr and T-Pain, but insiders say plenty of local talent goes untapped.
chicago.suntimes.com
July 29, 2025 at 6:27 PM
ericathompson.bsky.social
Chicago designer Ethan Mundt, also known as Utica, is the first "RuPaul's Drag Race" alum to compete on "Project Runway." Here's my chat with the artist for @chicago.suntimes.com.

You can catch the season 21 premiere of "Project Runway" Thursday on Freeform.

chicago.suntimes.com/movies-and-t...
July 28, 2025 at 3:38 PM
ericathompson.bsky.social
I loved attending this live art collaboration between Samoan master artists and community members at the Field Museum. The completed "siapo mamanu" piece will be featured in a future exhibition. Learn more in my story for @chicago.suntimes.com.

📷 Pat Nabong

chicago.suntimes.com/entertainmen...
July 27, 2025 at 4:26 PM
ericathompson.bsky.social
Yesterday, I experienced “The Great River Parade,” a larger-scale installment in the series of “Secret River Shows” on the Chicago River. Here’s my story for @chicago.suntimes.com.

📷 Pat Nabong

chicago.suntimes.com/music/2025/0...
'Secret River Show' concept hits high note with musical parade on the North Branch
Though the performances were shortened by a rain delay, 'The Great River Parade' was warmly received by fans who said they appreciated the charm, novelty, DIY spirit and communal nature of the event.
chicago.suntimes.com
July 20, 2025 at 9:04 PM
ericathompson.bsky.social
Who else learned about Connie Francis from this scene in "The Craft"? ✋🏾

Rest in peace.

variety.com/2025/music/n...
July 17, 2025 at 11:49 AM
ericathompson.bsky.social
Even though I'm from Ohio, I didn't grow up engaging with the Great Lakes. Moving to Chicago and experiencing Lake Michigan has been a delight for me. And now I want to explore more of the lakes after writing about David Zurick's photo book, "The Third Coast."

chicago.suntimes.com/books/2025/0...
The best coast? A new photo book makes the case it's here in the Great Lakes region.
Photographer David Zurick’s 'Third Coast' celebrates the Great Lakes’ 4,500-mile shoreline, which covers more distance than the country’s Atlantic and Pacific Coasts combined.
chicago.suntimes.com
July 16, 2025 at 6:53 PM
ericathompson.bsky.social
It was such an honor to cover the 2025 Chicago Literary Hall of Fame induction ceremony. The honorees are Timuel Black, Oscar Brown Jr. and Harriette Gillem Robinet. Here is my article for @chicago.suntimes.com.

📷 Candace Dane Chambers

chicago.suntimes.com/books/2025/0...
Chicago Literary Hall of Fame honorees' work is still relevant in a moment of civil rights reversals
Inductees Harriette Gillem Robinet, Timuel Black and Oscar Brown Jr. are not only celebrated writers but civil rights activists who promoted a message of perseverance.
chicago.suntimes.com
July 13, 2025 at 5:09 PM
Reposted by Erica Thompson
kschorsch.bsky.social
A gem of a read ... ever heard of the O'Hare community in Chicago -- not the airport. Thousands of people live here w/ties to the Schorsch Brothers real estate co. (no relation, or maybe?), via @ericathompson.bsky.social: tinyurl.com/3be2vtae:
Thousands of Chicagoans are living in O’Hare — the community, not the airport
Named after the airport, the Northwest Side locality is one of Chicago’s officially recognized 77 community areas. But residents say it is a forgotten part of the city.
tinyurl.com
July 11, 2025 at 2:21 PM
ericathompson.bsky.social
When you hear “O’Hare,” you probably think of the airport. There is also an O’Hare community area on the Northwest Side of Chicago, where nearly 14,000 are living. But hardly anyone acknowledges that name.

My deep dive on the area for @chicago.suntimes.com.

chicago.suntimes.com/chicago/2025...
Thousands of Chicagoans are living in O’Hare — the community, not the airport
Named after the airport, the Northwest Side locality is one of Chicago’s officially recognized 77 community areas. But residents say it is a forgotten part of the city.
chicago.suntimes.com
July 11, 2025 at 2:45 PM
ericathompson.bsky.social
Reports show that the NASCAR Chicago Street Race has made gradual improvements in attracting more women, younger people and more ethnically diverse fans. Here’s my story for @chicago.suntimes.com.

📷 Pat Nabong

chicago.suntimes.com/nascar/2025/...
NASCAR Chicago Street Race fans, organizers praise diversity efforts — 'There's always more work to do'
Reports show that the Grant Park event has made gradual improvements in attracting more women, younger people and more ethnically diverse fans.
chicago.suntimes.com
July 6, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Reposted by Erica Thompson
chicago.suntimes.com
“All we want to show is that everybody’s equal here and we love everybody, and that this is our community,” Berwyn Mayor Robert Lovero said. “We all need to get together no matter what.”
On a smaller scale but with big heart, Berwyn Pride Walk celebrates neighborhood diversity
The western suburb held its Pride event Sunday, with some lauding its intimacy and warmth compared to the bigger Chicago event Sunday. Many had praise for the community for taking steps to be more inclusive of its predominantly Latino population.
trib.al
June 29, 2025 at 8:10 PM
ericathompson.bsky.social
I often go to Berwyn to shop, but it was nice spending time with residents yesterday during the Pride Walk. Community members said the suburb has taken steps to be more inclusive of its LGBTQ+ and Latino populations. Here’s my story for @chicago.suntimes.com.

chicago.suntimes.com/lgbtq/2025/0...
On a smaller scale but with big heart, Berwyn Pride Walk celebrates neighborhood diversity
The western suburb held its Pride event Saturday, with some lauding its intimacy and warmth compared to the bigger Chicago event Sunday. Many had praise for the community for taking steps to be more i...
chicago.suntimes.com
June 29, 2025 at 8:10 PM
ericathompson.bsky.social
After 18 years in Wicker Park, The Violet Hour cocktail bar shutters following damage to its building. Here's my story for @chicago.suntimes.com.

chicago.suntimes.com/food-drink/2...
The Violet Hour, a James Beard-winning Chicago institution, closes permanently
After 18 years in Wicker Park, the innovative cocktail bar shutters following damage to its building. “Despite extensive efforts and negotiations, we were regretfully unable to reach a resolution with...
chicago.suntimes.com
June 27, 2025 at 11:16 PM
ericathompson.bsky.social
For #pride month, several Chicago drag designers gave us a behind-the-scenes look at their creative process. It was so fun to meet these artists, including "RuPaul's Drag Race" winner Willow Pill.

📷 Ashlee Rezin & Pat Nabong

Our story for @chicago.suntimes.com: chicago.suntimes.com/fashion/2025...
June 27, 2025 at 5:19 PM