Public programs inspired by Blue

Inspired by the Chicago premiere of Jeanine Tesori and Tazewell Thompson’s opera Blue, Lyric has developed a slate of public programs geared toward engaging audiences in conversations around contemporary issues relevant to the opera

Roll Call: Policing in Chicago's Black Community, Then and Now

Join Lyric Opera of Chicago, WFMT, and WTTW for this virtual conversation focusing on the evolving relationship between the Chicago Police Department (CPD) and Chicago's Black community. Inspired by the Lyric premiere of Blue and WTTW’s FIRSTHAND: Gun Violence digital series, the discussion will include Howard Saffold, retired CPD officer and founding member of the African American Police League and Sergeant Jermaine Harris of the CPD's Community Policing Division. The discussion will be moderated by the Field Foundation’s Lolly Bowean.

Roll Call will take place on Tuesday, December 8 at 6pm. This event is free, and reservations are required.

Register

Roll Call: Policing in Chicago's Black Community, Then and Now

Join Lyric Opera of Chicago, WFMT, and WTTW for this virtual conversation focusing on the evolving relationship between the Chicago Police Department (CPD) and Chicago's Black community. Inspired by the Lyric premiere of Blue and WTTW’s FIRSTHAND: Gun Violence digital series, the discussion will include Howard Saffold, retired CPD officer and founding member of the African American Police League and Sergeant Jermaine Harris of the CPD's Community Policing Division. The discussion will be moderated by the Field Foundation’s Lolly Bowean.

Roll Call will take place on Tuesday, December 8 at 6pm. This event is free, and reservations are required.

Register

African American Police League Archives

In May 1968, Chicago Police Department (CPD) officer Edward “Buzz” Palmer formed the Afro-American Patrolmen’s League, now called the African American Police League (AAPL), in response to growing concern over the treatment of African Americans by and within law enforcement. The AAPL wrote down instances of police violence within the police force and within Chicago Black communities, and sought to educate police officers about the culture and customs of communities of color; teach community members about the criminal justice system; and develop procedures for individuals to protest and try to correct abuses of police authority. These formerly protected records are now available for public viewing at the Chicago History Museum.

In collaboration with the Chicago History Museum, Lyric is presenting curated pieces from the collection on our website. We hope these archives will engage audiences in a dialogue about the relationship between police and Black communities and about the groundbreaking efforts of the African American Police League.

Please note this content engages with topics that may be sensitive or triggering, including racism, racial slurs, violence and mental illness.  

ACCESS THE ARCHIVES

Thoughts on Parenthood

Thoughts on Parenthood is an interactive arts project examining the unique experience of parenthood. With the help of activist and photographer Tonika Johnson, we have connected with communities across the city of Chicago, gathering personal stories of parents—their greatest wishes, biggest needs, and proudest moments.

13 stories from Chicago parents will be featured on Lyric's website in December. Stay tuned for more information. 

Learn More

Thoughts on Parenthood

Thoughts on Parenthood is an interactive arts project examining the unique experience of parenthood. With the help of activist and photographer Tonika Johnson, we have connected with communities across the city of Chicago, gathering personal stories of parents—their greatest wishes, biggest needs, and proudest moments.

13 stories from Chicago parents will be featured on Lyric's website in December. Stay tuned for more information. 

Learn More

Blue public programs are made possible with support from

Dr. Scholl Foundation

Blue is made possible by support from

A co-production of The Glimmerglass Festival, Washington National Opera and Lyric Opera of Chicago.

Lyric Unlimited - Learning & Civic Engagement Sponsors

Anonymous Donor

Nancy W. Knowles Student and Family Performances Fund

Dr. Scholl Foundation

BMO Harris Bank Logo

Walter Family Foundation

The Richard P. & Susan Kiphart Family

Shure Charitable Trust

Eisen Family Foundation

Robert and Evelyn McCullen

Marsha Serlin and Jerry Sloan

Charles and M.R. Shapiro Foundation, Inc.

Terry J. Medhurst

Mazza Foundation

Buehler Family Foundation

Wintrust Community Banks

Helen Brach Foundation

The Siragusa Family Foundation

Polk Bros. Foundation

Lloyd A. Fry Foundation

Raynette and Ned Boshell

John and Rosemary Brown Family Foundation

John Hart and Carol Prins

The Simon Family Foundation

Photos: The Kama Photography, Karli Cadel/The Glimmerglass Festival