The sun slips through clouds moments before a thunderstorm engulfs Monroe Harbor, Chicago, Il.

Jets streak past the Hancock Building, during the Air and Water Show in Chicago, IL on Aug. 16th, 2009.

Brad Steele helps Jeff Rutter with his number after competing during the Windy City Rodeo 2009.

Jeff Rutter smiles for a portrait during lunch at the Windy City Rodeo in Crete, Il on Aug. 23, 2009.

Entertainment: the Windy City Cowboys, strutt thier stuff at the Rodeo at Six Guns Ranch & Arena in Crete, Illinois on Sunday.

A cowgirl puts away her gear, after winning in her division in the 2009 Windy City Rodeo in Crete, Il on Sunday, August 23.

A lone horse is at home and part of the majestic landscape that was offered at Six Guns Ranch in Crete Illinois

A group of cowboys chat and laugh together during a rodeo at the Six Guns Ranch in Crete, Il  on Sunday, August 22.

Part of the ILGRA opening ceremonies. Flags are carried in with grace and honor.

University of Illinios-Chicago Opthalmology residents confer with an attending in the General Eye Clinic on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2009.

Dr. Terry Unterman, endocrynologist and also a Professor of Medicine in Physiology and Biophysics at the University of Illinois-Chicago, poses for a portrait on Tuesday, Aug. 25th, 2009.

Professor Linda Kenney, PhD, is a professor in the department of Microbiology and Immunology at UIC.

Last weekend marked the 80th anniversary of the Bud Bilken Parade on the South Side of Chicago. I enjoyed the parade on Saturday while shooting the 6th and final session for CCLF’s annual report, a non-profit partnering with entities to offer support in communities across the city.

The event is the oldest and largest African American Parade in the country, drawing up to 75,000 participants and 1.5 million viewers.  Those along the street are dazzled by gymnast tumbling down the asphalt, cheerleaders flung in the air then gracefully caught in waiting arms , and floats toting marvelous displays.  Special guest in years past include Oprah Winfrey, Barack Obama, and Muhammed Ali. This year Jesse Jackson shook hands and hugged passerby’s enroute.

Robert Abbott, founder of the Chicago Defender, began the parade in 1929. The name Bud Bilken comes from a comic strip character Abbott created in 1923 as a figurehead of hope and pride for African Americans during the Great Depression.

Bud Bilken Parade

Click here to visit CCLF’s homepage.

A lone blue door stands out in rural south side Chicago. Couldn’t resist this shot.

A poised cat, flashes his profile for the camera.

A bullet-riddled window has less of an appearance, today as in the past.

A Hyde Park resident models and shows her personality to the camera at the 63rd Street Boat House, in Chicago Illinois.

A graphic view of Lake Michigan, seen through the columns of 63rd street Beach House.

“Snack Time” A group of picnickers makes ham, turkey, cheese sandwiches Wednesday afternoon at 63rd street Beach House.

The sun casts a golden glow over Lake Michigan and beach goers early Wednesday evening.

Amazing light streams through the 63rd street Beach House with the edge of Chicago appearing in the background.

Just chilling.

Kids enjoy the wonders of water at the fountain on a warm August evening at the 63rd street Beach House in Chicago, Illinois.

Angela Hudson relaxes on her porch Wednesday afternoon in the Woodlawn lawn community, Chicago, Illinois.

Hudson smiles for a portrait outside of her home on Wednesday afternoon. “I feel like Tyra Banks,” she remarked.

Blackstone Bike shop is a popular place for youth to hang out, sharing stories in between retired frames, flat tires, and shiny new bikes.

The last guest of a birthday party exit Backstory cafe, a renowned social hangout sure to satisfy the appetite.

“Check out these,” as one of the kids points to the rotating inner rim of his street bike.

A unique home with an stunning garden in Chicago’s south side community.

Commuters exit the Metra on Wednesday afternoon in Humboldt Park, Chicago, Illinois.

A sharp contrast from what was and what now is, the Ida B. Wells homes have been recently replaced by an entire community, with the help of CCLF.

The iconic drummers beat rhythms at 63rd street Beach House.

Mark Peoples and Kat Roltsch, chat outside their rehabed co-op at 5200 Blackstone in Hyde Park, Chicago Illinois.

Chicago Community Loan Fund: www.cclfchicago.org

Chicago’s, home of Chicken & Waffels on South Kind Drive is another great spot for down-home cooking, with dishes like Moniques’ Love, a chicken breast with a choice of waffle, potato salad or fries or Kev Mo’s Law, a plentiful serving of chicken, eggs, grits and a biscuit.

The Host of Chicago’s, complete with Rhinestone Rims, poses for a portrait on Thursday, July 30th, 2009.

Carolyn Elaine, a mosaic artist, poses in front a piece she and partner designed on 47th and Kenwood.  The project is funded by the community and installed with the help of Kenwood students.

Students of Kenwood Highschool  along with Artist Carolyn Elaine, start the grout process. Pictured students include Juan Carlos, Maika-Nicole Taylor, Troy Patterson, and Preston Lewis.

Community youth play hoops at Jessie “MA” Houston Park  in Kenwood, Chicago Illionis.

Youth of the Kenwood community watch as a pick up game  in Jessie “MA’Houston Park, Chicago, Illinois.

Cain’s Barber Shop on E. 51st street in Chicago. The barbershop was full from front to back, packed with customers and barbers-to-be.  Cain’s is famous in the Kenwood community, and if you ask someone on the street if they’ve had their hair done there, odds are they, or at least someone they know has.