City Cast Chicago logo
August 23, 2021

Students Find Their Place at 'Refugee High'

City Cast Chicago

Students Find Their Place at 'Refugee High'

00:00:00
View all City Cast Chicago episodes

In 2017, after former President Donald Trump’s travel ban on citizens and refugees from seven predominately Muslim countries, journalist Elly Fishman started thinking about refugee families who were already in Chicago. She then learned about Sullivan High School in Rogers Park, which is also referred to as “Refugee High.” Hundreds of refugee students attend and more than 40 different languages are spoken there. Fishman documented the school for a Chicago magazine article that then turned into a book. We talk to Fishman about what she learned at Sullivan, and how the students’ unique and arduous backgrounds were just one part of these multi-faceted young people who just wanted to be teenagers. 


Guest: Elly Fishman, Author, "Refugee High" (@Elly33)


Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago

Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Hey Chicago

Stay connected to City Cast Chicago and get ready to join the local conversation.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

Latest Episodes

See all
July 17

Did Mayor's ICE Order Actually Do Anything? Plus, 1,000 Teens Downtown

Today, a City Council committee will question the details and effectiveness of the Mayor’s “ICE on Notice” executive order as ICE sightin...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art
July 16

Harold’s Chicken Battle, Ford City Suitors, and Next Great Food Fest

In January, longtime Harold’s Chicken Shack CEO Kristen Pierce-Sherrod passed away. Now, a legal battle between her five children and her...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art
July 15

Influential Priest Accused of Abuse, Beware Raw Lettuce, and All-Star Weekend

The Rev. Michael Pfleger, the St. Sabina parish leader for 45 years, has been removed from his position as the Archdiocese of Chicago inv...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art
July 14

Tips For Second Heat Wave. Also, Can the Onion Make Infowars Funny?

Another heat wave is hitting Chicago. Here's what to expect. Also on today's podcast, we talk to Onion executive editor Jordan LaFlure ab...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art
July 13

City’s Street Vendor Crackdown, Mayoral Quiz, and Belugas at Shedd

Chicago is seeing a rise in enforcement against immigrant street vendors. Over the last few months the Street Vendors Association of Chic...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art
July 10

Is Chicago Still Broke? Plus, ICE Arrests Increasing

What have we learned in the last week about the city’s financial position, and what does that mean for the growing field of mayoral candi...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art
July 9

Mayor’s Transit and Public Health Picks. Plus, ‘Love Island’ Mania and Chicago’s Next Hit Show

Today we’re talking about some new appointments coming out of the Johnson administration, including a new Public Health Commissioner and...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art
July 8

Is Chuy Garcia Controlling Congressional Race? Plus, a Visit to Feld

U.S. Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia (4th) has been accused of thumbing the political scales in favor of his chosen successor. In November, Garc...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art
July 7

Why Massage Parlors Are Getting Raided in the 12th Ward

Two illicit massage parlors on Archer Avenue were raided within weeks of each other — including one next door to 12th Ward Ald. Julia Ram...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art
July 6

Who Will Replace Retiring Police Chief? Plus, Chicago's New Gayborhood?

The Chicago Police Department will be without a permanent police superintendent starting July 15, as current superintendent Larry Snellin...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art