Teresa Xie's Photo Blog

In Chicago, the holidays are often viewed with a bright perspective. There are carolers on the streets, festive store windows, and jazz music is heard everywhere. However, for many, the holidays are spent in the freezing cold, with nothing but a cup full of change and a scrappy blanket. This collection of photos aims to show the two different sides of the holidays in Chicago. Macy's storefront window Carolers downtown Street musicians playing "All I Want for Christmas is You" Asado Coffee decorated for the holidays "For me, the holidays are about Christ. The word Christmas is 'Christ' and 'mas.' I used to be a preacher, so Christmas is very important to me. It's a story of family, friends, and the celebration of Jesus. Christmas is about celebrating Jesus most importantly! Jesus!"  *Mom did not want to be pictured* "The holidays have always been very important to me. I remember as a kid opening presen...

Ice cream man for a warm Memorial Day. A picture perfect moment; feet in the water. A technology free break or so it seems? Chicago Bears fans always find time to snap a photo! Taking a breather from a chaotic week. A communion of animals and people enjoying the same view. Sniffing through the cracks, hoping to find something special. Friends or lovers?  Definitely lovers. Moment of reflection... Good food and good company! A memorial of what once was. A memorial of what it means to be young and under the sun. Helicopter over the lake Promontory Point Aqua-city

On March 11th, 2016, Trump's rally at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago got called off. However, it was only because the event became extremely nasty and violent due to an overwhelming amount of hate from both Trump's supporters, as well as his protesters. Here are some photos of those who took a firm stand without having to resort to violence.

social justice (noun): the view that everyone deserves equal economic, political and social rights and opportunities Chicago is known for depicting its history and struggles through murals all over the city. Many of these murals deal with themes such as freedom, justice and equality. Bringing to light social issues, these murals are hard to miss and in a way become a crucial part of the neighborhood and community which they are part of. Sírvales - Jeff Zimmerman ((the right to receive an education)) Increíbles Las Cosas Q'Se Ven - Jeff Zimmerman ((roots of the immigrant community - the right to have equal opportunities)) Unknown ((the fight for equal opportunities)) Wall of Hope - Yollacalli Arts Reach ((the fight for equal rights and opportunities)) Gulliver en el pais de las Maravillas - Jonathan Swift ((breaking free from societal restrictions and barriers)) Unknown ((the right to equal education opportunities...