Time to explore all of Chicago

Shermann Dilla Thomas, the ComEd lineman-turned-TikTok historian, outside his bus by the Ida B. Wells-Barnett memorial, the one place where he leads his Bronzeville tour participants outside the bus “because it’s the only time you’re going to be standing at 37th and Vincennes.” (Neil Steinberg/Sun-Times)

Shermann Dilla Thomas, whose slogan is “Everything dope about America comes from Chicago,” offers historical tours of Chicago neighborhoods like North Lawndale and Englewood that are not typical tourist draws. He’s working to change that. (Neil Steinberg/Sun-Times)

“This is example one of why everything dope about America comes from Chicago,” said Shermann Dilla Thomas, delivering his trademark buzz phrase to a busload of tourists on a recent Saturday at the west edge of the Midway Plaisance. “This is my main man, Lorado Taft’s ‘Fountain of Time.’”