Darcel Rockett

Darcel Rockett is a features/lifestyle reporter for the Chicago Tribune, focusing on narratives for and about populations/communities who need to be heard.

Kobey Lofton, left, rallies members of the Peace Warriors, a student-led nonviolence and conflict resolution program, as they march to celebrate 100 days of peace at Legal Prep Charter Academy in Chicago on June 4, 2026. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

Chicago teens sustain ‘peaceful’ community as warriors

September 12, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

The Peace Warriors in West Garfield at Legal Prep Academy program teaches student volunteers mediation skills and restorative justice to mediate violent conflict.

Malik Rimmer, 3, walks the red carpet during the Chicago Youth Awards at the Kehrein Center for the Arts in the Austin neighborhood on July 24, 2026. The event featured a red carpet, performances for local dance groups and awards for best mother and father of the year. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

Chicago Youth Awards bring honor and pride to West Side community

September 12, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

The Chicago Youth Awards are the brainchild of Latricia Walker-West, who likens the event to one that would be hosted on BET.

Deniece Rogers, left, who recently received her doctorate degree from DePaul University, talks to Natalie Hall at an event at the Bridgeport Art Center on Aug. 12, 2026. Hall graduated at the same time as Rogers with a master’s in bilingual-bicultural education. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)

Chicago woman shows it’s never too late to reach a goal, especially when it comes to education

September 9, 2026 at 6:04 a.m.

At 75, Deniece Rogers of the Near North Side earned her Doctorate of Philosophy in Educational Leadership from DePaul University's College of Education.

Forward Momentum Chicago Dancers lift Londyn Sanders, 10, to finish their rehearsal routine at the Logan Center for the Arts in Woodlawn on July 22, 2026. (Arthur Maiorella/Chicago Tribune)

Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project is set to give movement to archives at the Harris Theater

August 25, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

Ten dance companies, a one-night performance. That’s the math that brings performers from the latest cohort of the Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project to the Harris Theater.

Students are welcomed on a red carpet by teachers, staff and parents on the first day of school, Aug. 24, 2026, at Leland Elementary in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Chicago Public Schools families head back to class: ‘Finally, today is the first day’

August 24, 2026 at 4:50 p.m.

More than 300,000 students headed back to class across the city as Chicago Public Schools opened its doors for the 2026-27 school year.

Edward Gardner, left, laughs with fellow teacher Lynda McGee as he prepares for the first day of classes at Burnham Math & Science Academy in Chicago, Aug. 21, 2026. Gardner was promoted from a special education assistant to having his own classroom. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

Hello students. Meet Edward Gardner, the new special ed teacher at Burnham elementary.

August 24, 2026 at 1:39 p.m.

After years as a special education classroom assistant, or SECA, Edward Gardner was promoted to a special education teacher at Burnham Math & Science.

Jalil Muhammad, 13, shakes hands with coach Daveed Allen, left, as UCAN program manager Monta McGhee, right, looks on during a Robbins CalPark Eagles football practice in south suburban Robbins on Aug. 20, 2026. Muhammad is part of UCAN’s REACH 21 program. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

REACH 21 program aims to lead Black male tweens and teens to be thriving adults

August 22, 2026 at 11:10 a.m.

The REACH 21 program is designed to help Black males ages 11-21 reach important teenage milestones.

Jurnee-Marie Wise, a participant in the Till Institute Summer Academy, works on a drawing of a baseball jersey with Emmett Till's last name at the Chicago History Museum on July 22, 2026. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)

Till Institute Summer Academy brings teens together to talk about social justice

August 19, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

The day independent autopsy results were shared for Nolan Wells, an 18-year-old Black student whose death off the coast of Mississippi days after a Fourth of July holiday boat trip...

Author and journalist Dawn Turner greets attendees of a book talk to discuss her new novel, "Majestic Hills," at Call & Response Books, Aug. 5, 2026, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Dawn Turner investigates a sense of belonging in ‘Majestic Hills’

August 11, 2026 at 4:14 p.m.

The novel "Majestic Hills" is one told through the eyes of a young Chicago couple who move to the suburbs for a change of pace.

Musical artist Dreamer Isioma, left, stands onstage with co-directors Daniel Kisslinger, 34, center, Damon Williams, 33, all of Chicago, during a viewing party for "Quantum Entanglements" in Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood on July 1, 2026. (Josh Boland/Chicago Tribune)

Quantum campus project raises questions about residents’ agency in community development

August 8, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

Chicago-based podcasters Respair Media showcase neighborhood resistance to the quantum center on the Southeast Side.

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