Our Vision

OUR MISSION

We tell stories to provide more opportunities for connection, compassion, and new unexpected perspectives. These stories just so happen to be in Rockford, Illinois. It is important to tell these stories because to many, both here and elsewhere, Rockford is often portrayed through a single narrative of violence or economic tragedy, but to ignore our complexity robs people of dignity.

 

OUR VISION

We typically speak about how our Midwestern city of 150,000 lives in a a post-industrial world, with a strong aerospace presence, but what we neglect to tell is the story of the people.  How we are a people of resolve, city of immigrants, who adapt to the ever changing world.  Our stories fill in the gap between the overall municipal picture and personal stories of the citizens who reside here.

Recent Episodes

Posted on

Mothering Through Tragedy

It wasn’t until her child was born, that Phyllis even considered her future. A high school dropout, she went back to school and was determined to create a better life for her child. Her life revolved around being a mother, unconditionally loving her child even through trying times. When her child came out as transgender, a new set of challenges presented themselves — including things she couldn’t control.

This story is a collaboration with the Rockford Register Star | rrstar.com. See how LGBTQ teens, more specifically transgender teens, have been affected by Liam’s advocacy.

Phyllis is President of the PFLAG Rockford Chapter, please consider following the page to support their efforts.

If you wish for us to continue these stories, become a patron for $1 at our Patreon Page. http://www.patreon.com/ourcityourstory

 

Produced by Pablo Korona

Music by Wavetop Productions — Zach Staas, Daniel Pingrey, and Jason Kaye.

Portrait photography by Carly Rice

Special thanks to Nick Stange for suggesting the story. Also thanks to Kendal Miller, Clark Kelly, Lenae Weichel, and Megan Hastings.