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CHICAGO — Block Club Chicago’s “It’s All Good” podcast is out with Episode 11!
This week’s episode focuses on Mulbe Dillard IV, a Hyde Park native who recently accomplished his lifelong dream of becoming a professional golfer.
The 22-year-old played in Korn Ferry’s Rex Hospital Open, held June 3-6. Dillard qualified for the event through the Advocates Pro Golf Association, a new organization designed to provide greater opportunity for Black golfers.
“It was incredible,” Dillard tells “It’s All Good” host Jon Hansen. “I feel like being able to represent Chicago has been great.”
Dillard says throughout his amateur and now professional playing career, he is often the only Black player on the course.
“That is just how it is going to be,” Dillard says. “The golf clubs don’t know if I’m Black or white, but they do the talking for me.”
Credit: Photo courtesy of Mulbe Dillard IVDillard won a city championship with the Whitney Young golf team and played Division I golf in the Sunshine State, but reporter Mack Liederman said Dillard has remained rooted to the Jackson Park golf community. He started the Mulbe Dillard Golf Academy to teach family friends and local kids the game at accessible prices within the city.
Over the years, Dillard’s academy grew to about 15 students. During the pandemic, he continued to teach golf over Zoom. His students would prop up their phones at Jackson Park Driving Range, so Dillard could review their swings — from Florida — and give feedback over a speaker.
Credit: Photo courtesy of Mulbe Dillard IV.Also on this week’s episode, reporter Mina Bloom highlights an emotional reopening for City Lit, a Logan Square independent bookstore now open under new management.
After months of planning, longtime librarian Stephanie Kitchen reopened City Lit at 2523 N. Kedzie Blvd. in June, reversing one of the neighborhood’s most painful pandemic closures. Opening weekend was busy, she said, with “many people so happy to be back in the space.”
Credit: Courtesy of Dominican UniversityMake sure to subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.
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