Celebrate Black History Month with Chicago’s favorite neighborhood historian, Shermann “Dilla” Thomas!

This Black History Month, take a look at Chicago like you've never seen it before from the lens of Chicago historian and social media phenom, Shermann "Dilla" Thomas. In the half-hour special, Black History Verified, you get an insider's look into how African American culture and influence worked to shape Chicago into what it is today.

The U's Brandon Pope and Dilla team up to take a tour through the South Side, highlighting some of the most important landmarks in Chicago's history. They visit the birthplace of Black History Month and get a look at a decades-old mural depicting the hopes and dreams of African Americans during the Great Migration. Dilla highlights unsung pioneers like Oscar Micheaux, the first Black feature filmmaker, and Fritz Pollard, the first Black NFL coach.

Black History Verified PT. 2 features in-depth interviews on Chicago's first Black firefighters for Black History Month and the origins of House Music. Dilla will be highlighting the contributions of unsung heroes like Timuel Black, John H. Johnson and Ida B. Wells with uniquely stylized videos and typography. Plus, you'll see the vital role the Pullman Porters played in the Great Migration.

Sponsored by: Ankin Law, Wintrust Bank, Buddy Bear Car Wash, Raising Cane's, Illinois State University

Before the program airs, see Chicago's historian Dilla - known as @6figga_dilla on TikTok - in action with exclusive web-extra videos below!

The U can be found on WCIU, Channel 26.1, XFINITY 183/1026, Astound TV 6, Dish 26, Direct TV 26, Spectrum Charter 22/616 and U-Verse 10/1010. On YouTube TV search for The U.

The U Too is seen on WMEU, Channel 48.1 and WCIU, Channel 26.2, XFINITY 230|360, Astound TV 35, Dish 48, Spectrum Charter 191.