There’s a common phrase used in social justice circles: Pass the mic. Pass the mic means, metaphorically, to let others talk, and it’s usually used in regard to people of color. It’s a reminder that we need to listen to those people of color because their experience is different from ours if we’re white. While, yes, we certainly may share many commonalities, particularly in regard to economic situations if we’re among the same economic strata, there is also an intrinsic bias many in society hold based upon appearance, notably skin color, and regardless of commonalities... Read More

GRAND CHAMPIONS! Congratulations to the Pride of Rock Island as they won best guard, 1st place in class 4A, and overall Grand champion of the entire show of 20 bands at their state competition for marching bands on Saturday night! What a way to end a great season. #ThisHouseRocks  Read More

Diversity in the arts is the latest hot topic on the Quad-Cities arts scene, and it’s certainly a welcome one, as the discussion has long been overdue. There is a definite shortage of minority voices across the arts spectrum, and that needs to be corrected. The only way it will be corrected is by it being acknowledged and addressed. Some groups have certainly been doing so, and deserve credit for it. Tristan Tapscott’s The Mockingbird On Main has been one of the most forward thinking theaters on the subject, with casts and shows that have distinctly featured minority performers and... Read More

Three of the buzziest buzzwords nationwide now are diversity, equity and inclusion. Everyone it seems wants to do better in those key areas (be it in their workplace, nonprofit or volunteer organization), and that includes the Quad-Cities theater community. Thanks to a Quad City Arts grant and two professional facilitators, the 73-year-old Quad City Music Guild hosted a 90-minute discussion on these issues Saturday at the Prospect Park theater in Moline – led by the quote: “The beauty of the world lies in the diversity of its people.” It was attended by about 45 people (fewer than 10 of whom... Read More

The Rock Island High School Student Council is holding a student hunger drive to raise food for the hungry TONIGHT at the Rock Island vs. Quincy game at Rock Island Stadium at 6 p.m. The council will be collecting canned goods. People can get into the game for free with three canned goods (for children/students), and five canned goods (for adults). Help fill the truck with food for a great cause and watch a fun football game TONIGHT!  Read More

The Quad Cities Chamber announced the launch of Leadership QC, a program for experienced community leaders and innovative thinkers who want to enhance their individual leadership skills. Leadership QC participants will work collectively to develop business-oriented solutions to challenges that impact our region’s workforce. Applications are now being accepted for this 9-month leadership program that will begin in January 2022. “Leadership QC will bring together a diverse group of our region’s leaders, that maybe wouldn’t normally work together or collaborate, to discuss and resolve issues... Read More

Western Illinois University Academic Advisor Tim Johnson has been named the Council of Administrative Personnel (COAP) Employee of the Month for September. According to Johnson’s nominator, he has delivered “exemplary academic services to his students,” coming up with innovative ways to provide assistance. “Tim also came to me with the idea of opening a satellite advising office in the residence hall,” said his nominator. “He adjusted his office hours to meet freshmen where they were at, and when it was most convenient, which was in the evenings.” Johnson... Read More

The Back That Up Tour show featuring Ginuwine, Juvenile, and Chingy originally slated for Saturday night at East Moline’s Rust Belt has been postponed. Due to a Ginuwine scheduling conflict, The Back It Up Tour show with Ginuwine, Juvenile, Chingy & Random Tanner has been moved to April 2, 2022, at The Rust Belt. All purchased tickets will be valid for the new date.  Read More

Western Illinois University alumna Nissi Shalome is realizing her theatrical dream after being named to the cast of the national tour of “Summer: The Donna Summer Musical.” Shalome, who received her BFA degree in musical theatre in 2019, landed the position of “swing,” which means she must learn the parts of six cast spots in case someone is unable to go on stage. There are three Donna Summer characters in the cast, the young “Duckling,” the older “Disco Donna” and the modern day “Diva Donna,” and Smith must learn the “Disco”... Read More

The Western Illinois University Department of English will host the Fred Ewing Case and Lola Case Writers-in-Residence Thursday, Oct. 14, again in a virtual format. This year’s authors are poet Luther Hughes; novelist David Heska Wanbli Weiden; and graphic novelist Kayla Shaggy. A question and answer session with students and faculty will be held via Zoom from 3-4 p.m. To get the Zoom link, email Professor Erika Wurth a et-wurth@wiu.edu. A reading with the authors will be streamed on the WIU Department of English Facebook page, from 5-6 p.m. • Weiden, an enrolled citizen of the Sicangu... Read More