Dear Fellow Americans: Earlier in the year, I recorded a PSA (public service announcement) encouraging civility in our political discourse. At that time, it was a purely non-partisan effort. But since then, my choice for President has become crystal clear: Kamala Harris. I choose character, civility, stability, integrity and leadership. I want to maintain an … Read more
Before I was hired a decade ago by Chaz Ebert to work for her at RogerEbert.com, I had never met anyone as busy as my grandma, Marian Tompson. As a co-founder of the world-renowned breastfeeding organization, La Leche League, Marian had a life far different from those of most women who gave birth to seven … Read more
Chaz Ebert, president of Ebert Digital LLC and CEO of RogerEbert.com, is stepping into the director’s chair for the first time. At this year’s Chicago International Film Festival, she will premiere her short film “Wellness Warrior,” which explores the incredible life of Deborah Szekely, who has been called the “Godmother of Wellness” for her advocacy … Read more
But author and activist, Chaz Ebert, still has hope. “When I started working on my book, I wasn’t sure why I was writing it,” explains Ebert. “But my family, especially my daughter, encouraged me to keep going. She said, ‘You need to write this.’ She was correct; this message is needed now more than ever.” … Read more
Ebert’s call to action urges leaders from both political parties to commit to civil discourse not only through the November election but as an ongoing commitment to effective governance. She specifically calls on members of Congress and all candidates seeking elected office to adopt and practice the FECK Principles. To emphasize her point, Ebert will … Read more
Last month, the Experience Champaign-Urbana Foundation hosted their annual Toast to Tourism event in downtown Champaign, Illinois. First held in 2013, this annual event honors those in the hospitality industry who have helped boost the visitor experience or expanded tourism in the greater Champaign-Urbana area. In nominating Chaz Ebert and Ebertfest for the Tourism Impact Award, it … Read more
FACETS Executive Director, Karen Carderelli said she is inspired by Jacqueline Stewart’s work in celebrating film, teaching its important history, and shining a light on the work of people of color. “The FACETS Board of Directors are honored to acknowledge her with its Brilliance Award.” FACETS has been a centerpiece of the Chicago and national film scene for 48 years. … Read more
Terence Davies on “Sunset Song” I was brought up on American music. My first film was “Singin’ in the Rain” at seven. I fell in love with musicals, I love musicals. So, that was always theirs as part of one’s psyche. And they used to say on the contrary, Britain was a land without music, … Read more
To celebrate this new knowledge about my daughter I offered to take her to the Kenny Rogers 2017 Farewell Tour in Nashville where a gallery of country stars were slated to perform to honor him. Among them were the McCrary Sisters, a black gospel quartet, whose very presence on the program left me feeling more reassured. But I got cold … Read more
An award-winning actress and playwright, Taylor is partnering with Columbia College on the Black Mixtape project, a program inspired by her socially minded conversations about Black Lives Matter and the pandemic. Its theme is entitled “Stand Up, Speak Out.” And those words move deeper than their catchy phrasing. Taylor wants submissions, centered for necessary conversations, … Read more