Life and Times of Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant at Wizards (2007)

 Kobe Bean Bryant aka The Black Mamba was one of the most legendary players in the NBA.  Drafted straight out of high school, Kobe showed his skills and talents in the NBA for 2 decades. Kobe has done some tremendous things throughout his life. From becoming an NBA MVP and Champion to winning an Oscar award for film based on his poem "Dear Basketball.  He was known to be the first person in the gym and the last to leave, according to his teammates. Kobe knew he was going to be great and strived for greatness. In 2018, two years after retiring, Kobe opened Mamba Academy, later renamed the Sports Academy, for kids who wanted to learn the develop the skills for basketball. It was his way of giving kids a place to be themselves, while learning and practicing a game that they love. Sadly, on January 26th, 2020, Kobe was tragically taken was from us in an airplane accident alongside his daughter Gianna and 9 other people. Kobe Bryant will always be known as the man who strived for greatness. 

Hyde Park Walking Tour

Carl Linnaeus Statue in Hyde Park 2008

Hyde Park is one of the prominent most neighborhoods in the city of Chicago. Some of the city's most historic landmarks are located in this neighborhood. Every year the Hyde Park neighborhood host a festival filled with music food and fun for the community and people around the city to attended. I am proud to be a Hyde Park resident.

Established and in 1892, the University of Chicago is the top-ranking university in the city. It has been the staple of the Hyde Park neighborhood. Majority of the residents of Hyde Park are U of Chicago students. The University of Chicago has been known to have one of the best Medical Programs in the country. One of the most beautiful places in Hyde Park is the Jackson Park Cherry Blossoms. In this park there are most beautiful Cherry blossom trees that bloom in the spring and brighten up the park. This park is located behind the Museum of Science and Industry. One of the oldest museums in Chicago is the Museum of Science and Industry. This museum has some of the best exhibits I've ever had pleasure to experience. Before the museum became to be it was known as the Palace of Fine Arts in the World Colombian Exposition in 1893. One of my favorite exhibits is called "Yesterday's Main Street." It's a replica of Chicago in the 20th century. The Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority is one of the first African American sororities established for black women attending HBCUs. The sorority has a Chicago based headquarters located in Hyde Park. For those who are interested in pledging the grad chapter information is definitely available to young women who want to be apart of a sisterhood. Last, but certainly not least, the Promontory. The Promontory is a fairly new live venue and restaurant. It's been one of the largest live music venues in the Hyde Park area, and extremely convenient to the party goers and music lovers.

My Favorite Venue Walking Tour

Goodman Theatre 2023 (Goodman Theatre)

There are a few venues and music halls that make Chicago one of most fascinating cities to visit. Here are a few of my favorite venues, I have had the pleasure of enjoying over the years.

The very first theatrical performance I had the pleasure of viewing was A Christmas Carol at the Goodman Theatre. The Goodman Theatre was established in 1922 by William and Erna Goodman as a memorial to their son. Over the last 100 years, the Goodman Theatre has produced some of the most outstanding performances. The Civic Opera building was established on November 4th, 1929. In 1954 was became home to the Lyric Opera of Chicago. It has been known to be one the most beautiful opera houses in North America. If you're looking to see world class performance, the Civic Opera house is the place to go. The House of Blues is one of the most popular live music menus in Chicago. Earlier this year I had the chance to enjoy a R&B only concert in the venue. The House of Blues is the known venue to host all of the Blue Men Group concerts over the last 2 decades. Park West was the first concert venue I stepped foot in as an adult, and I had the time of my life. Park West is one of the best venues for local bands to showcase their music. It's also a great venue for young adults to come and enjoy the ambiance. The Aragon Ballroom is the most sought-after venue for concerts especially new artist. It's a hotspot in the Uptown neighborhood.