Play Hooky Experience Drops Anchor in Chicago: A Celebration of Joy, Community, and Culture This Black Yacht Weekend

The Chicago Journal Staff on May 6, 2025

By: Ciara Suesberry

Chicago summers are famous for their energy — from rooftop brunches to festivals by the lake — but this year, something refreshingly new is docking on the shoreline.

On June 20, 2025, during the height of Black Yacht Weekend, the Play Hooky Experience is making its Chicago debut, bringing a day full of community connection, wellness, and pure, unapologetic joy.

Founded by Darryl “FollowtheDj” Dungee, a longtime advocate for mental health awareness and cultural celebration, Play Hooky is more than an event — it’s a national movement. Designed to encourage people to step away from the daily grind and reconnect with life’s lighter, more meaningful moments, the Experience invites Chicagoans to do something revolutionary: take a day to protect their peace.

Play Hooky Experience Drops Anchor in Chicago: A Celebration of Joy, Community, and Culture This Black Yacht Weekend

Photo Courtesy: Darryl “FollowtheDj” Dungee

“Chicago knows how to show up for culture, community, and each other,” says Dungee. “Play Hooky isn’t about skipping out; it’s about showing up for yourself, your neighbors, and your joy. And there’s no better backdrop for that than Black Yacht Weekend.”

Set against the pulse of Chicago’s vibrant lakefront culture, the event will feature:

Live music performances by local artists
A curated vendor marketplace spotlighting Chicago creators
Mental health and wellness resources designed for real community impact
High-energy games and experiences for all ages
Local food trucks and cultural eats

And in true Play Hooky spirit, the day isn’t about being flawless — it’s about being present. It’s about carving out space to celebrate achievements and simply being alive and connected in a city rich with creativity, resilience, and heart.

With roots in Baltimore and a national tour that’s stopping in cities like Los Angeles, Dallas, and Houston, Darryl’s Play Hooky Experience reflects a broader movement toward intentional living — one that especially resonates in urban spaces where hustle culture can often eclipse the need for rest, reflection, and joy.

For Chicago locals, it’s more than an event; it’s a call to prioritize wellness without giving up the vibrant city life they love. Whether coming off a yacht cruise or stepping away from the boardroom, Play Hooky offers a space where community and culture take center stage.

Because in a city that moves as fast and fiercely as Chicago, sometimes the powerful thing you can do is simply pause, play, and reconnect.

Event Details:

Play Hooky Chicago
Date: June 20, 2025
Location: 838 West Kinzie Street, Chicago, IL

Open to the Public | Family-Friendly | Local Vendor Marketplace

Highlights:

Local Music & Live Performances
Vendor Village Featuring Chicago Entrepreneurs
Mental Wellness Workshops and Activations
Cultural Food and Community Connections

About Play Hooky Experience:

The Play Hooky Experience is a national movement founded by Darryl “FollowtheDj” Dungee to promote mental health, community connection, and cultural joy through experiential events. With a heart for healing and a beat that unites, Play Hooky is redefining how we gather — one city at a time.

Follow along at @FollowTheDJ and @ThePlayHookyExperience for updates and announcements.

For interviews or media inquiries:
Berry Dynamic Agency
Launch@berrydynamicagency.com

Published by Jeremy S.

The Financial Impact of Multicultural Marketing and the Growth of The Axis Agency

The Chicago Journal Staff on May 6, 2025

Multicultural marketing is a key brand strategy to connect with multicultural consumers in today’s fast-paced world. With demographics changing and cultures colliding globally, businesses must engage consumers from different cultures. It’s not just about simple advertising, assuming cultural mindsets and beliefs to build relationships. Multicultural purchasing power has increased in the U.S., and the demand for culturally relevant marketing has grown. Culturally savvy agencies are leading the way as the trend shapes industry behavior.

One example is The Axis Agency, founded in 2005 as part of the Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE: IPG). Since its foundation, the company has become a multicultural communications powerhouse that uses cultural intelligence and strategic marketing. Under Armando Azarloza’s leadership, the agency has made considerable strides in creating campaigns with multiple consumer connections. With his political and public affairs background, Azarloza brought unique community outreach expertise and established The Axis Agency as the award-winning agency it is today. As the founder, he has stayed ahead of the curve in an industry where consumer expectations change daily.

The Axis Agency’s business model is built on cultural authenticity and inclusion. This strategic approach has allowed the agency to win significant government and corporate business, including the U.S. Army, Covered California, Absolut Vodka, and the Western States Petroleum Association. These accounts demonstrate the agency’s ability to penetrate dense cultural environments and deliver results-driven campaigns that speak to specific communities. The Axis Agency has helped clients close communication gaps and create deep brand connections by being culturally relevant.

A primary driver for the agency is strategic cultural marketing. Unlike traditional advertising tactics, The Axis Agency develops storylines that adhere to the authentic lived experiences of multicultural communities. The company has established a standard for industry practices concerning brand messaging to various audiences by doing this. For instance, the Agency for Covered California campaign, the nation’s top healthcare exchange, was culturally adapted to activate multilingual populations, providing maximum access to crucial health information. This campaign improved enrollment rates and proved that culturally sensitive messaging is a key driver of outcomes.

The agency’s financial expansion reflects its strategic focus and responsiveness. Since its inception, The Axis Agency has received several national awards, demonstrating its reach and standing as a notable company. The honors reflect the agency’s capacity to manage multi-million-dollar marketing campaigns that facilitate business expansion and redefine consumer engagement strategies. The agency has continually provided trackable outcomes using cultural insights, cementing its multicultural communications market leader position.

A firm grasp of cultural dynamics and market currents guides his decision-making style. Azarloza’s capacity to predict market trends has enabled The Axis Agency to remain competitive in its field, constantly looking for innovative ways to address changing consumer demands. His vision for strategy is seen through the agency’s diversification into digital marketing, where cultural understanding is naturally part of social media and content marketing campaigns. The approach maximizes brand visibility and inspires genuine engagement by multicultural consumers.

Besides marketing skills, The Axis Agency has been active in corporate marketing by promoting diversity and inclusion. Its advertising is crafted to move beyond skin-deep representation so that cultural storytelling is truthfully represented. The agency’s adherence to cultural integrity has positioned it as a reliable ally for companies looking to find their way into multicultural markets.

The economic relevance of multicultural advertising in the United States is no longer in question, with minority populations playing an active role in stimulating the nation’s economy. Reports from industry insiders indicate that multicultural consumers’ buying power totals trillions of dollars, boosting the demand for products and services of cultural resonance. Consequently, corporations invest more in multicultural advertising to corner these money markets. The Axis Agency’s strategic focus puts it at the head of this expanding market, allowing its customers to successfully connect with diverse consumer bases.

The future of multicultural marketing holds great promise for further expansion. With identities becoming more fluid and globalized, brands will require more sophisticated and inclusive communication approaches. In light of this, Azarloza’s strategic vision propels the agency’s success, shaping how corporations approach multicultural audiences.

Armando Azarloza’s career transition from public affairs to multicultural marketing reflects his flexibility and strategic thinking. As the leader of The Axis Agency, he has driven financial expansion and industry success, establishing new benchmarks in culturally sensitive communications. Through promoting diversity and authenticity, the agency has revolutionized audience engagement strategies and helped advance the broader societal impact of multicultural marketing. As the sector keeps changing, Azarloza’s vision is expected to guide its direction to ensure that narratives of culture remain at the core of successful brand communication.

Published by Stephanie M.

Exploring Authenticity Through Poetry: An Interview with Catherine Valleroy

The Chicago Journal Staff on May 6, 2025

By: Elowen Gray

Catherine’s poetic journey has been shaped by her ongoing exploration of self-awareness and authenticity. Her series of books, which begins with Better Look, continues with Better Looking, and will culminate with Seeing, offers readers an opportunity to join her on a path of self-discovery and spiritual growth. In this interview, Catherine reflects on her work and the thought-provoking messages within her poetry.

What inspired you to take this poetic journey?

I began this journey after realizing that I had been focused on my external life—how I appeared in the mirror, what was in my closet, and what my business card said—while neglecting my internal and spiritual self. As I pursued a more spiritual path, I discovered that many women, including myself, weren’t living authentically. My first book, Better Look, explores truly examining myself. Better Looking delves deeper into self-awareness, and my final book, Seeing, reflects on the shift from looking at myself to truly seeing who I am.

How do the first two books connect? What journey do they take readers on?

Better Look focuses on challenging superficial aspects of my life and encourages readers to look beyond physical appearances, societal labels, and external achievements. It invites readers to ask, “Who are you, really?” In my second book, Better Looking, I go deeper, exploring the trauma I’ve experienced and how I’ve worked to transform pain into spiritual growth. Both books offer readers a chance to examine their own lives and reflect on their true selves. A key element in both books is that they include a journal for readers to document their own journeys of self-discovery inspired by reading these books.

What was the most challenging part of writing these books?

The hardest part was being brutally honest with myself. There are personal revelations about trauma and superficiality that forced me to confront my own vulnerabilities. Transitioning from a corporate perspective to a poetic one—or, as I like to refer to it, “living life poetically”—required me to let go of societal expectations and embrace who I truly am. It’s a painful yet transformative journey—one that requires deep self-honesty. For me, embracing the truth of who I am was the hardest and most rewarding part of writing these books.

How does this poetry reflect your personal journey?

My poetry is deeply rooted in the need for self-disclosure. I aim to create a visceral experience for readers, one that is both spiritual and visual. My poems are designed to be accessible; readers can close their eyes, listen to the words, and perhaps feel my journey. When I perform my spoken word pieces on my album, Better Look, on SoundCloud, I hope listeners connect emotionally to my process of growth.

How do the poems help readers reflect on their own lives?

The honesty with which I address my experiences may allow readers to reflect on their own lives. My poetry isn’t just about revealing my pain—it’s about growth and transformation. I hope readers can recognize their own struggles and find the courage to face them. For example, in one of my poems, I describe waking up feeling unfulfilled, bingeing on work, coffee, and consumerism. These are the things I had to move beyond. The poems suggest a path from superficiality to authenticity, and I believe readers might see their own potential for change.

What does authenticity mean to you, and how do these books explore it?

Authenticity is about peeling away the distortions, whether it’s a false persona or self-deprecation. It is about moving toward the truth of who you are at the core and becoming comfortable with making meaningful life changes that align with that truth. In a fast-paced world, we often neglect our true selves in favor of meeting external expectations or turning to compulsions. Authenticity is a painful yet liberating process. These books explore the journey from living life according to imposed norms to embracing your true self, which can sometimes feel uncomfortable but often brings peace.

What can readers expect from the final book, Seeing?

The final book in this trilogy aims to complete the journey of self-reflection. While my first two books focus on looking at and understanding myself, Seeing is about truly coming to see who I am. In Better Look and Better Looking, I shed the layers of externality and begin to embrace my authentic self. In Seeing, I am no longer looking for myself but am exploring what it means to see and know who I am. I have grown more comfortable with living. The book’s cover symbolizes this process: the first book shows me preparing for work at age 34, the second at age 55, and the third reveals my eyes, first with makeup and then without, symbolizing the stripping away of layers to reveal my true self.

What do you hope readers feel after reading Better Look and Better Looking?

I hope readers feel a sense of relief in realizing that they have options. These books are intended to encourage women to feel comfortable in their own skin—literally and figuratively. I want readers to understand that they don’t have to conform to societal ideals of beauty or success; they can explore ways to be themselves. The covers, which show me in various states of undress, unretouched, emphasize that I hope to model for women a sense of acceptance that was not always modeled for me.

What has been the most rewarding feedback you’ve received as an author?

The most rewarding feedback has been from readers who describe my poetry as accessible. Many people find poetry intimidating, but my writing seems to resonate with them. It’s clear, emotional, and relatable. I’ve heard that readers appreciate how my work draws vivid pictures with words, allowing them to not only visualize but also feel the journey of self-discovery.

How do you plan to share this trilogy with the world?

I initially chose to self-publish to have the freedom to disclose my journey authentically and without compromise. My hope is to reach a wide audience, especially women, and help them understand that they can be true to themselves. This trilogy is about living life truthfully and finding peace in that truth. I plan to expand my reach through spoken word, performances, and further publications.

Do you have plans to explore new themes in your writing?

Yes! In addition to writing poetry, I’m working on books of prose, including one titled Humble Food, which explores our relationships with food and broader food for thought. I’m also developing a book based on my meditation practice, Meditations from the Stone Soup Sangha, which will reflect on my work helping others find their authentic selves through meditation and creative expression. I’m also collaborating with an artist to create a children’s book about love and connection, titled Need Love.

Catherine’s work demonstrates the power of poetry to help us understand and embrace our true selves. Her books not only invite readers into her personal journey but also provide tools for readers to embark on their own paths of self-discovery. With a focus on spirituality, authenticity, growth, and emotional transparency, Catherine’s poetic life continues to inspire and empower those seeking to live authentically. Catherine’s books are available online at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Ingram. For more information on Catherine and her art, please visit her website a-poetic-life.com. Her social media on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube is all under the handle Catherine’s Poetic Life.

Published by Stephanie M.