South Side Birthing Center, 75th Street Welcomes Visitors, and Chicago’s ‘81 Club’
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “South Side Birthing Center, 75th Street Welcomes Visitors, and Chicago’s ‘81 Club’” inside PodZeus.
CityCast Chicago's April 10, 2026 episode highlights transformative community developments and pressing social justice issues across the city. The show opens with the groundbreaking of the Chicago South Side Birth Center, a $7.7 million facility set to open in early 2027, offering comprehensive reproductive care—including birthing suites, abortion services, gender-affirming care, and preventative health—specifically designed to address the alarmingly high maternal mortality rates among Black women. Host Jacoby Cochran and guests Otavia Reed and Francia Garcia Hernandez emphasize the importance of centering Black midwives and doulas in maternal care, citing systemic racism and medical dismissal as key contributors to preventable deaths. The conversation shifts to the high-profile case of Keisha Golden, a Black woman facing murder charges after allegedly stabbing her abusive partner during a violent incident while eight months pregnant. Advocates and legal experts decry the prosecution as a betrayal of the state’s stated commitment to trauma-informed justice for domestic violence survivors, especially given her history of calling police multiple times. The episode then celebrates the second annual Spin in the Black event on 75th Street in Chatham, a vibrant community-driven initiative that brought thousands to support over 100 Black-owned businesses, boosting local commerce and fostering neighborhood pride. The segment underscores the importance of sustained local support beyond one-time events. Finally, the hosts spotlight the launch of the 81 Club, a new Chicago Public Library and CPS initiative that grants students free access to library resources, digital databases, and academic tools—removing barriers for marginalized youth. The episode closes with personal reflections on the beauty of Jackson Park’s cherry blossoms and the powerful stage production of Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom at The Goodman Theatre, praised for its emotional depth and artistic excellence.
The South Side Birth Center, opening in 2027, will provide critical, culturally competent reproductive care to address Black maternal mortality in Chicago.
Keisha Golden’s case highlights the systemic failure to protect domestic violence survivors, especially when they defend themselves.
Events like Spin in the Black on 75th Street are vital for sustaining Black-owned businesses and building community wealth.
The 81 Club initiative removes access barriers for students by combining school and library IDs, expanding educational equity.
Supporting local businesses and cultural institutions like The Goodman Theatre strengthens Chicago’s unique identity beyond tourism-driven economies.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Groundbreaking of South Side Birth Center
“Black women continue to have the highest pregnancy related mortality ratio compared to other racial and ethnic groups. And just being able to have this space with not only women who look like you, but women who care about you is so important.”
Keisha Golden’s Case and the Crisis of Domestic Violence Prosecution
“If they defend themselves and if they survive, that they will be punished and that they will be criminalized.”
Spin in the Black: Celebrating 75th Street’s Black-Owned Businesses
“It was a good time. For the people who live in the neighborhood, for the businesses on the block, how much does this mean to them?”
The 81 Club: Expanding Access to Libraries for Students
The launch of the 81 Club—where student IDs now double as library cards—is highlighted as a transformative equity initiative. It grants students free access to books, online databases, academic support, and research tools, especially benefiting unhoused, undocumented, and foster youth. The program removes systemic barriers and strengthens educational access across Chicago Public Schools.
Cultural Moments: Cherry Blossoms and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
The episode closes with personal reflections on the beauty of Jackson Park’s cherry blossoms and the powerful stage production of Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom at The Goodman Theatre. Otavia Reed shares her joy in seeing the play, meeting legendary actor Harry Lennox, and the emotional impact of live theater as a celebration of Black artistry.
“If they defend themselves and if they survive, that they will be punished and that they will be criminalized.”
“Black women continue to have the highest pregnancy related mortality ratio compared to other racial and ethnic groups. And just being able to have this space with not only women who look like you, but women who care about you is so important.”
“Otherwise all we would have is like national chain and the same shops that every other suburban town has. And I don't think that's what makes Chicago special.”
Host
Guests
Jacoby Cochran
person
Otavia Reed
person
Francia Garcia Hernandez
person
Keisha Golden
person
Spin in the Black
other
Chicago South Side Birth Center
organization
75th Street
place
Cook County State's Attorney's Office
organization
Chicago Public Library
organization
81 Club
other
Rental Inspections, Illini Final Four, and You’re Tired of Robots
City Cast Chicago • 31m • 3/31/2026
Your Guide to April 2026 in Chicago
City Cast Chicago • 37m • 4/1/2026
Accessing Immigration Courts, Regulating Prediction Markets, and Ranking Chicago Burgers
City Cast Chicago • 37m • 4/2/2026
What Went Down At The Jeffs? Plus, Was Midway Blitz Martial Law?
City Cast Chicago • 29m • 4/3/2026
'Your City Could Be Better': Denver’s Bet on a Women’s Soccer Stadium — Presented By City Cast Chicago
City Cast Chicago • 28m • 4/5/2026
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “South Side Birthing Center, 75th Street Welcomes Visitors, and Chicago’s ‘81 Club’” inside PodZeus.
Start discovering podcast insights today
Start with a 7-day trial and explore a growing catalog of popular podcasts. No credit card required.
No credit card required • 7-day trial • Cancel anytime