CHICAGO — For someone who grew up in the city during the group’s heyday, it’s a very interesting lesson to present to an audience that lived through the group or is learning about its impact.
The biggest problem facing Sherman “Dilla” Thomas is finding a way to encapsulate the impact of the 1990s Chicago Bulls and Michael Jordan into an October 30 Held within 60 minutes at the Harold Washington Library.
“It’s very difficult to include everything in a one-hour show,” said the Chicago historian, who is famous for his TikTok classes and now gives guided tours of the city’s historic landmarks.
But Thomas rose to the task in front of live and online audiences, discussing the legacy of the Michael Jordan-led franchise in Chicago. This was the multifaceted message he delivered to his audience from the podium.
One of the most interesting parts of the discussion was the influence of a part of the dynasty existing through a piece of fashion – footwear. The birth of Nike’s “Air Jordan” brand not only created a shoe that is loved by fans, but also created an industry that is still thriving today.
“It really creates its own economy,” Thomas said of Air Jordans.
The shoes hold significance even for historians, and he purchased many pairs during his life, even as rewards for teaching classes.
“When the Chicago Bulls invite me to go talk to their players, or when the Chicago White Sox invite me to take their Ace kids on a community tour, when the check comes, I reinvest it back into my business, No matter the cost. Buy one pair of shoes and those shoes are Michael Jordans,” Thomas said.
Of course, the physical growth can be seen when one drives to the United Center, and the West Loop has grown significantly in the 25 years since the dynasty ended.
“A lot of it comes from (Oprah Winfrey’s) Harper Studios and the six rings Michael Jordan won with the Chicago Bulls,” Thomas said of the West Loop influence. “We used to call that place ‘the ghetto,’ a section of Madison from Wells to the West. It was packed with SROs, or single room residents.
“A lot of Chicagoans don’t want their kids to travel alone. Today, it’s become one of the city’s trendiest attractions.”
In the video above, Larry Hawley from WGN News Now learns more about Thomas’ impact on the ’90s Bulls.