CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Chicago historian Shermann “Dilla” Thomas, who gained fame during COVID with videos highlighting the city’s history, has been giving tours to Democratic National Convention (DNC) delegates this week to show them places they otherwise may not have seen.
Thomas likes to say, “Everything dope about America comes from Chicago.”
It’s on the side of the bus he’s using for the tours. He’s opening some eyes and raising some eyebrows.
“Right now, we’re celebrating the DNC,” Thomas said. “This is Chicago’s 26th presidential national convention. We’ve had more presidential conventions than any other American city. A lot of really cool presidents have been nominated right here in Chicago.
“Chicago invented the skyscrapers that everybody’s staying in while we’re here. Chicago is the place that pioneered electrifying that third rail. Chicago invented the chocolate brownie, baseball gloves, so it’s really true: Everything dope about America comes from Chicago.”
Thomas stopped to chat with WBBM Newsradio as delegates were boarding a bus near McCormick Place. During each day of the convention, he’s running two tours, each of which will last two hours.
The neighborhoods include Little Village, Pilsen, Englewood, Lawndale, Pullman, Bronzeville and others.
Thomas runs a tour company called Chicago Mahogany.
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok