For immediate release
Chicago, IL - January 13, 2026
July 4, 2026 will mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This historical marker arrives at a moment of strain for American democracy, as political polarization deepens and the public trust shifts. Beginning February 16, 2026, WTTW’s award-winning multiplatform FIRSTHAND initiative will spend a year documenting how individuals and local organizations are responding proactively in their own communities. Throughout the year, Firsthand: Democracywill present documentary films, investigative reporting, and a series of public events and conversations focused on civic participation, accountability, and the role of everyday people in democratic life.
Explore the project on February 16, 2026 at wttw.com/firsthand and on the PBS app.
“Firsthand: Democracy shows what active civic participation looks like in a city like Chicago,” said Sandra Cordova Micek, President and CEO of WTTW. “As Firsthand: Democracy follows and engages with local residents who are trying to make a difference, WTTW will share a ground-level view of how democracy is practiced, challenged, and sustained in a major American city.”
DOCUMENTARIES
The Firsthand: Democracy documentaries introduce five individuals who are working to strengthen our democracy.
Whether Braver Angels volunteer Maryanne Colter is participating in a community debate on a hot-button issue, teaching college students how to disagree about politics without being disagreeable, or showing neighbors of opposing political views how to tone down toxic partisanship, she is acting on her belief that everyone can play a role in addressing our country’s divisiveness – not in changing people’s views of issues, but their views of each other. “If we all do a little, nobody has to do a lot,” she says.
Miten Patel traces his journey from a corporate career to a civics-education classroom, where his students at Evanston Township High School register to vote, question political candidates, and directly engage with the political process. Miten, a British-born Indian immigrant, emphasizes that democracy is a verb – an active process requiring ongoing action and participation from citizens. “Our system doesn’t work without knowledgeable citizens,” he says. “This is a 24/7, 365-day citizen requirement to make sure this democracy is functioning.”
When Isabel Aguilar immigrated to Chicago from Mexico 23 years ago, she became a lawful permanent resident and built a comfortable life for her family. But she yearned to vote and fully participate in American democracy. “I love this country,” she says. “I’m not going anywhere.” With the help of a local nonprofit, Isabel became a naturalized citizen in time to cast her ballot in the 2024 election. She's now blazing a trail for other immigrants as a volunteer tutor, watching with pride as her students take the Oath of Allegiance to their new country.
After Camille Williams’ mother was murdered and she was forced to testify in court at age six, the memory of the experience inspired her mission as an adult: to make sure everyone impacted by the American legal system knows their rights and responsibilities. Camille works for Chicago Votes, leading programs bent on building a more inclusive democracy, whether she is observing Cook County courtrooms or pushing for a piece of legislation that would win voting rights for incarcerated people. Through her activism and a video podcast, Camille is urging Americans to take an active role in preserving the democratic process. “Giving up is not an option,” she tells us.
Julee Mortensen lives by a maxim: democracy does not retire. At 72, the suburban grandmother is a full-time defender of democracy. Constantly on the go, Julee keeps a 'resistance calendar,” using social media to spread the word far and wide about upcoming actions. She organizes and participates in multiple protests a week, fighting disparate causes from voting rights to banned books. She thinks globally, but her work is often focused on what’s happening in her own backyard: While her candidacy for the Elk Grove Village Board of Trustees ended in defeat, she helped usher in a new generation of candidates who are remaking her quiet, traditional suburb. “Democracy is not a spectator sport,” Julee declares. “Get out and get involved.”
JOURNALISM
Throughout 2026, WTTW News will publish reporting about local efforts to strengthen American democracy in the current political landscape. On Monday, February 16 at 5:30 and 10:00 pm, WTTW’s flagship news program Chicago Tonightwill present a special Firsthand episode dedicated to the topic of exercising and preserving democracy in our region. Visit wttw.com/events in the coming days for details and to RSVP to be in the live audience.
PARTNERSHIPS AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
In partnership with Braver Angels of Illinois, Illinois America 250, Illinois Humanities, and Mikva Challenge, WTTW will convene community conversations throughout 2026 focusing on democracy. These events will invite residents, thought leaders, and policymakers to engage in dialogue. The Firsthand: Democracy community engagement effort will begin with a kickoff event at the WTTW studios on the evening of Monday, February 16.
DISCUSSION AND RESOURCE GUIDE
WTTW will publish and distribute a discussion guide that will serve as a downloadable companion to the project, providing direction and prompts for meaningful discussion and engagement around the issue of democracy in Illinois
The Firsthand: Democracy documentaries were directed by Teresa Crawford, Latesha Dickerson, Pat Odom, Edgar Vargas and Teresa White; the series is produced by Teresa Crawford and executive produced by Dan Protess and Anne Gleason. Community engagement efforts are led by Tim Russell.
Major support for FIRSTHAND: DEMOCRACY is provided by the Julian Grace Foundation, the Edwardson Family Foundation, the Lohengrin Foundation, and other generous sponsors. (as of 1/12/26)
WTTW is the PBS member station in Chicago, committed to creating and presenting unique media content across distinct television and digital channels – WTTW, WTTW Prime, WTTW Create, WTTW PBS Kids 24/7, wttw.com, and the PBS/WTTW video app. Recognized for award-winning journalism and local productions – such as Chicago Stories, Firsthand, Chicago Tonight, Touring Chicago’s Lakefront, and Chicago Works – WTTW presents the very best in public affairs, arts and culture, nature and science, history and documentary, and children’s public media content. Connect with WTTW on Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube.
