September 2026: Join us October 21st for Friends of PN, Welcome the Better Government Association and Community TV Newtork to CIMA, and more!
Hey, Narrative Change Community!
A Message From A Message From PN Baord Member, Derrick Fleming, Jr.
Photo provided by Derrick M. Fleming, Jr..
In 2022, I set a goal to support an organization connected to one of my first loves—TV, film, media, and storytelling. That goal led me to Public Narrative, where I joined the Board of Directors and eventually had the honor of serving four years as Board Chair.
My time with Public Narrative reinforced my belief that leadership is ultimately about stewardship; leaving people and organizations stronger than you found them.
During my tenure, we helped stabilize the organization financially, strengthened internal operations, built a staff deeply committed to the mission, developed a three-year strategic plan, and expanded our impact through the Chicago Independent Media Alliance (CIMA).
We also celebrated local journalists and storytellers committed to telling authentic stories across Chicagoland.
Most importantly, I had the privilege of supporting and uplifting the leadership of Jhmira Alexander, President and CEO. I believe strong boards create conditions for executive leaders and their teams to thrive.
Public Narrative also deepened my understanding of why connecting media and community matters. Communities deserve to see the fullness of their experiences represented; not simply having stories told about them, but with them.
As I transitioned from Board Chair this past summer 2026, I left grateful for the experience and excited for PN’s future. I’m also carrying those lessons forward through TGEL Partners & Associates, where we continue building partnerships, developing leaders, and creating meaningful social impact.
Learn more about our work at TGELpartners.com and join us on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, from 6:00 – 8:30 PM for Friends of Public Narrative: Celebrate. Connect. Salute.
Register here and see you there!
In Continued Support,
Derrick M. Fleming, Jr.
Founder & CEO, TGEL Partners & Associates
Board Member Emeritus, Public Narrative
Celebrate with PN at Our Fall Friendraiser!
Public Narrative invites you to an evening of community, connection, and celebration on
Tuesday, October 20, 6 - 8:30 p.m. at the Hubbard Inn.
Please join us as we celebrate the work of Public Narrative, connect with the people and stories that make Chicago’s media ecosystem thrive, and salute our outgoing Board Chair, Derrick M. Fleming Jr., in recognition of four years of leadership and service.
Jhmira Alexander to Moderate AI & Creativity Panel at Sold-Out CHI+AI Summit
Public Narrative President & CEO Jhmira Alexander will moderate the AI and Creativity panel at CHI+AI, a sold-out day-long summit hosted by the Chicago Public Library on
October 3, 2026.
The panel brings together artists and cultural leaders to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping creative practice while centering ethics, community voices, and the value of craft. Jhmira will be joined by panelists Josh Ruebeck, Sasha Ongtengco, Devon VanHouten-Maldonado, and Leslé Honoré for a conversation about the opportunities and challenges AI presents for artists and the broader creative community.
CHI+AI brings together leaders, practitioners, educators, and community voices to explore how AI is shaping the ways Chicagoans learn, work, create, and understand information. Through conversations, demonstrations, and hands-on experiences, the summit invites Chicagoans to engage with AI critically and thoughtfully.
Welcome Better Government Association to CIMA!
Please join us in welcoming the Better Government Association and the
Community TV Network to the Chicago Independent Media Alliance!
The Better Government Association is a non-partisan, non-profit news organization and civic advocate working for transparency, efficiency and accountability in government in Chicago and across Illinois.
Community TV Network empowers low-income youth in Chicago by engaging them in the creative and collaborative process of modern video production. CTVN promotes youth voices and positive community development.
Mayor Brandon Johnson at the 35th annual MLK Breakfast at Rainbow/P.U.S.H. in 2025. Photo by Kenn Cook, Jr. for The TRiiBE.
‘Billionaires vs. Brandon’: Mayor Johnson announces reelection bid for 2027 // The TRiiBE
“It’s going to be billionaires versus Brandon and Brandon’s coalition,” Johnson told The TRiiBE in a one-on-one interview last week. His coalition, of course, is inspired by the rainbow coalitions of past freedom movements led by the late Illinois Black Panther Chairman Fred Hampton, Sr. and civil rights giant Jesse L. Jackson, Sr.
Read more: ‘Billionaires vs. Brandon’: Mayor Johnson announces reelection bid for 2027
Feature: Artistic Directors Discuss—How Do Theaters Survive and Thrive in a Changing Entertainment Landscape? // Third Coast Review
Chicagoans continue to grapple with a changing creative landscape, from funding and patronage to AI and artistic choices. Last week, the Evening Inquiry Series at the University of Chicago’s Graham School weighed in about how larger nonprofit theaters are faring with the panel How Do Theaters Survive and Thrive in a Changing Entertainment Landscape?
Council to decide on early retirement programs for city staff // Evanston Roundtable
City Manager Luke Stowe is asking councilmembers to consider both an early retirement incentive for staff who receive benefits through the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund and a voluntary separation program for retirement-eligible staff who fall under the IMRF and the separate police and fire pension funds.
Read more: Council to decide on early retirement programs for city staff
President and CEO // AIDS Foundation
Policy Coordinator // Forefront
News Reporter // Axios
Teaching Artist // Elmhurst Art Museum
Grant Opportunity: Healing Illinois // Illinois Department of Human Services
Cultivate Women of Color Leadership // Crossroads Fund
Oct 2: Strong Minds, Strong Stories // Field Foundation
"Strong Minds, Strong Stories" marks the launch of a new journalists well-being initiative designed to expand mental health resources, strengthen support systems, and foster healthier newsrooms across Chicago. 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Impact House (200 W. Madison St., 2nd Floor, Chicago, IL) for this special event featuring opportunities to connect with mental health therapists trained specifically to help journalists, along with activities including chair massages and de-stressing fitness sessions.
Oct 8: Borderless Live // Borderless Magazine
Join Borderless Magazine for BorderlessLive!, their inaugural annual event exploring immigration, identity, and belonging through inspiring conversations with journalists, artists, civic leaders, and community members. 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. at the Chicago History Museum (1601 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614).
Oct 9: Chicago Media Career Fair 2026 // Chicago Headline Club
Whether you’re pursuing your next role, building a freelance career or exploring a new direction, the fair will help you strengthen your job-search materials, connect with newsrooms and media organizations, and see where your journalism skills can take you next. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Impact House (200 West Madison Street, Chicago, IL 60606).
