Deborah Plummer, 2/6/12

Diversity Solutions Thought Leader

A recent report concluded that racial segregation in U.S. cities is at its lowest in a century. Though great news, I do not believe that the demographics have shifted because of an intentional desire for racial integration. Given the current economy, it is just harder for spatial racism to exist.

Kenzo Shibata, 2/7/12

Editor, Chicago Union Teacher

Many friends and acquaintances have told me, "In the private sector, we don't get to roll over our sick days like teachers do." We tend to aim for the lowest common denominator in what we consider proper working conditions.

Tara Tidwell Cullen, 2/8/12

Associate director of communications, Heartland Alliance's National Immigrant Justice Center

What happens at Thursday's hearing could have national consequences. Cook County has been a leader in rejecting ICE's attempts to turn local police into federal immigration agents.

Steve Lake, 2/7/12

Attorney, divorce and family law

I've developed a more realistic perspective on what happens when folks get caught up in the trappings of manufactured romance that are hallmarks of Cupid's holiday. Take the 72-day marriage of Kim Kardashian and Whatshisname.

Raymond, 2/7/12

Instructor, Early to Bed

You're a savvy queer who's been eyeing a hot trans guy. Here are seven tips to help you up your seduction game and keep you from inadvertently offending (or just turning off) your date.

Robert Reed, 2/6/12

Director of programming and investigations, The Better Government Association

This year, we'll see how determined our leaders are as they launch various efforts to comprehensively fix a benefit system that's teetering on financial ruin and may ultimately plummet the state government into insolvency.

Bill Moyers and Michael Winship, 2/6/12

And now, a word about a good American being demonized, despite being long dead. Saul Alinsky is not around to defend himself, but that hasn't kept Newt Gingrich from using his name to whip up the froth and frenzy of his followers.

John Fitzgerald Keitel, 2/6/12

Filmmaker and creator, ThinkFreeTV.com

Fred had a way of saying absolutely nothing about himself in spite of being the life of the party. And here he was -- in a room filled with conservative pols -- going on out loud about Harvey Milk, civil rights, and saving the Boom. Huh? We're talking about a gay bar, right?

David Protess, 2/2/12

President, Chicago Innocence Project

The justices flatly rejected prosecutors' arguments that Stanley Wrice's conviction should stand even if he had been tortured by two of Jon Burge's cops. The language was a ringing victory for all police torture victims.

Will Guzzardi, 2/3/12

Candidate for Illinois State Representative, 39th District

Too many of us, when we think about politics here in Illinois, roll our eyes and throw up our hands. We need to fundamentally change the way business is conducted. The way I see it, there are three important ways to do this.

Paul Klein, 2/3/12

Art advocate

Elaine Weiss, 2/8/12

National coordinator for the Broader Bolder Approach to Education

Given Chetty et al.'s contention that a $182 increase merits policymaker attention, pre-k programs like the Chicago Child-Parent Centers should command it.

Sid Mohn, 2/1/12

President, Heartland Alliance

Today is a new day in Chicago. This week is the first in more than 120 years that Chicago will be without Jane Addams Hull House -- one of the preeminent social service agencies in the nation. It's a sobering thought.

Joshua Hoyt, 2/2/12

Director, Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights

Eventually our nation will need to decide if we really want the people who care for our children, serve our food, and whose children attend school with our children to have significantly worse healthcare.

Hermene Hartman, 2/2/12

President, Hartman Publishing Group, Inc.; President, N'DIGO Foundation

Last Labor Day, Chicago had a celebration remembering the days of Soul Train. Salute was paid to Don Cornelius, the creator of Soul Train. Don died today and instantly I remembered the party in the middle of the city that paid tribute to him.

Megan Smolenyak, 2/3/12

Genealogy Expert, Author of "Hey, America, Your Roots Are Showing" & "Who Do You Think You Are?"

Among the half million African Americans who moved to Chicago during the Great Migration were a number of Michelle's relatives, and they hailed from Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Louisiana, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri and the southern part of Illinois.

Dr. Boyce Watkins, 2/1/12

Professor, Syracuse University

Like the rest of America, I was distraught over the death of the great Don Cornelius, creator of the legendary show, Soul Train. There will never be another one like him, for he truly changed the black entertainment landscape for all eternity.