Dr. Jessica BrodeFrank
@jbrodefrank.bsky.social
She/her. Asst Professor & Digital Librarian @ UIC. PM @ Chicago Collections Consortium. Libraries, Archives, Museums girlie. Digital Humanities researcher. Chicago obsessed, food driven, constantly watching something. Chronically ill, powered by spite.
Could not be more proud to work with such a great group of Chicago heritage workers through @chicollections.bsky.social to keep our EXPLORE portal running as a trusted diverse source: www.raceandequityproject.org/training-hig...
Where to find archives for reporting on systemic racism — Investigative Project on Race and Equity
This article highlights several archival resources, from citywide portals to community collections, that can help journalists uncover systemic racism and add historical depth to their reporting.
www.raceandequityproject.org
December 10, 2025 at 6:29 PM
Could not be more proud to work with such a great group of Chicago heritage workers through @chicollections.bsky.social to keep our EXPLORE portal running as a trusted diverse source: www.raceandequityproject.org/training-hig...
“What a cute wallpaper” - coworker complimenting my holiday manicure.
Me having to decide if my professional persona wants to admit these are based on the little debbie Christmas tree.
Me having to decide if my professional persona wants to admit these are based on the little debbie Christmas tree.
December 4, 2025 at 4:34 PM
“What a cute wallpaper” - coworker complimenting my holiday manicure.
Me having to decide if my professional persona wants to admit these are based on the little debbie Christmas tree.
Me having to decide if my professional persona wants to admit these are based on the little debbie Christmas tree.
Reposted by Dr. Jessica BrodeFrank
Nearly-perfect printed and handwritten text recognition is the most consequential technical contribution to the study of human culture of the last fifteen years, and it's not even close.
It fundamentally changes our (both lay and expert) relationship with the written past.
It fundamentally changes our (both lay and expert) relationship with the written past.
New issue of my newsletter: "The Writing Is on the Wall for Handwriting Recognition" — One of the hardest problems in digital humanities has finally been solved, and it's a good use of AI newsletter.dancohen.org/archive/the-...
The Writing Is on the Wall for Handwriting Recognition
One of the hardest problems in digital humanities has finally been solved
newsletter.dancohen.org
November 25, 2025 at 6:14 PM
Nearly-perfect printed and handwritten text recognition is the most consequential technical contribution to the study of human culture of the last fifteen years, and it's not even close.
It fundamentally changes our (both lay and expert) relationship with the written past.
It fundamentally changes our (both lay and expert) relationship with the written past.
Reposted by Dr. Jessica BrodeFrank
Few things bug me more than higher ed leaders saying that we lost our mission and lost the trust of the public, when we have actually been the target of a decades-long smear campaign by the right wing that worked. The moment we’re losing our mission is right now, in capitulation.
November 19, 2025 at 1:03 PM
Few things bug me more than higher ed leaders saying that we lost our mission and lost the trust of the public, when we have actually been the target of a decades-long smear campaign by the right wing that worked. The moment we’re losing our mission is right now, in capitulation.
Chicago kids always had to worry about snow on Halloween but it’s despicable they have to worry about ICE. Asking federal agents not to tear gas children, dystopian. Having those agents refuse to show restraint and humanity, disgusting.
Q: “Governor Pritzker has asked for Operation Midway Blitz to be on pause for the holiday weekend. Are you willing to do that?”
Noem: “No, we're absolutely not willing to put on pause any work that we will do to keep communities safe. The fact that Governor Pritzker is asking for that is shameful.”
Noem: “No, we're absolutely not willing to put on pause any work that we will do to keep communities safe. The fact that Governor Pritzker is asking for that is shameful.”
October 31, 2025 at 4:05 PM
Chicago kids always had to worry about snow on Halloween but it’s despicable they have to worry about ICE. Asking federal agents not to tear gas children, dystopian. Having those agents refuse to show restraint and humanity, disgusting.
If anyone asks what I’m dressing up as for Halloween this year I’m just gonna take their water, make up a lie, and leave. I’m ChatGPT bitches.
October 29, 2025 at 10:43 PM
If anyone asks what I’m dressing up as for Halloween this year I’m just gonna take their water, make up a lie, and leave. I’m ChatGPT bitches.
Took less than an hour at a middle school history fair to pivot my talking points to “over 60” instead of using “67” as a stat because apparently 6 & 7 in close proximity is hilarious.
October 28, 2025 at 5:44 PM
Took less than an hour at a middle school history fair to pivot my talking points to “over 60” instead of using “67” as a stat because apparently 6 & 7 in close proximity is hilarious.
Reposted by Dr. Jessica BrodeFrank
Chicago Ald. Jessie Fuentes was handcuffed and briefly detained by federal agents inside a hospital on Friday while asking about a patient's ICE arrest warrant.
Fuentes said “We have constitutional rights,” as the agent repeatedly states “No.”
https://to.wttw.com/3Kvoilz
Fuentes said “We have constitutional rights,” as the agent repeatedly states “No.”
https://to.wttw.com/3Kvoilz
Chicago Ald. Jessie Fuentes Handcuffed by Federal Agents While Asking About Patient’s ICE Warrant at Hospital
Chicago Ald. Jessie Fuentes was detained by federal agents inside Humboldt Park Health, as tensions continue to rise between local residents and officials and immigration agents conducting enforcement...
to.wttw.com
October 3, 2025 at 8:42 PM
Chicago Ald. Jessie Fuentes was handcuffed and briefly detained by federal agents inside a hospital on Friday while asking about a patient's ICE arrest warrant.
Fuentes said “We have constitutional rights,” as the agent repeatedly states “No.”
https://to.wttw.com/3Kvoilz
Fuentes said “We have constitutional rights,” as the agent repeatedly states “No.”
https://to.wttw.com/3Kvoilz
Reposted by Dr. Jessica BrodeFrank
We need a bigger national spotlight on this building raid, fam. Agents dropped from helicopters onto the roof. Citizens and non-citizens alike were dragged from their homes in the night. People who weren't kidnapped during the raid had their belongings seized after the fact. This is madness.
"Jones, 27, is among the residents left at 7500 S. South Shore Drive who are trying to piece together what remains after an early morning, high-powered federal immigration raid led to the arrests of dozens of their neighbors at their South Shore apartment building."
Massive immigration raid on Chicago apartment building leaves residents reeling: 'I feel defeated'
The Department of Homeland Security said federal agents with Border Patrol, the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives arrested 37 people in the raid.
chicago.suntimes.com
October 2, 2025 at 4:23 PM
We need a bigger national spotlight on this building raid, fam. Agents dropped from helicopters onto the roof. Citizens and non-citizens alike were dragged from their homes in the night. People who weren't kidnapped during the raid had their belongings seized after the fact. This is madness.
And the Supreme Court said it’s fine for them to target people based on how they look. Truly a despicable, deplorable, devastating, dictatorial time in US history.
U.S. Border Patrol agents wearing tactical gear and carrying long guns made arrests in downtown Chicago and the River North neighborhood Sunday. “This is not making anybody safer — it’s a show of intimidation,” Gov. JB Pritzker said.
Feds march into downtown Chicago; top border agent says people are arrested based on ‘how they look’
U.S. Border Patrol agents wearing tactical gear and carrying long guns made arrests in downtown Chicago and the River North neighborhood Sunday. “This is not making anybody safer — it’s a show of intimidation," Gov. JB Pritzker said.
trib.al
September 29, 2025 at 4:09 PM
And the Supreme Court said it’s fine for them to target people based on how they look. Truly a despicable, deplorable, devastating, dictatorial time in US history.
Reposted by Dr. Jessica BrodeFrank
I personally didn't enter librarianship because I wanted to direct people to use surveillance tech owned by private equity firms but sometimes I wonder about my peers
September 28, 2025 at 8:55 PM
I personally didn't enter librarianship because I wanted to direct people to use surveillance tech owned by private equity firms but sometimes I wonder about my peers
It’s been almost two months since museum senior officials walked into the Abakanowicz Research Center, the hub of the city’s archival holdings, and announced that every staff member would be reduced to part-time hours, leaving them without health insurance and a significant portion of their incomes.
Chicago History Museum cuts hinder research, exploration
The timing couldn't have been worse. The Trump administration has slashed museum budgets, the Smithsonian is being reviewed to align with Donald Trump's vision of America and the school year just star...
chicago.suntimes.com
September 17, 2025 at 3:34 PM
It’s been almost two months since museum senior officials walked into the Abakanowicz Research Center, the hub of the city’s archival holdings, and announced that every staff member would be reduced to part-time hours, leaving them without health insurance and a significant portion of their incomes.
Reposted by Dr. Jessica BrodeFrank
A decade ago, the Heritage Foundation went full meltdown about how Obama was an imperial president when he had issued about the same number of executive orders -- though he had reached it after six years, not six months.
September 5, 2025 at 5:15 PM
A decade ago, the Heritage Foundation went full meltdown about how Obama was an imperial president when he had issued about the same number of executive orders -- though he had reached it after six years, not six months.
When they’re sending the military in to your city, banning vaccines, and so much more, but your out of office is on and you’re recharging for action a thousand miles away with the most beautiful train ride thanks to @amtrak.com.
September 3, 2025 at 11:44 PM
When they’re sending the military in to your city, banning vaccines, and so much more, but your out of office is on and you’re recharging for action a thousand miles away with the most beautiful train ride thanks to @amtrak.com.
Chicago has not asked for federal troops. We do not need federal troops. We need the funds we’ve paid in federal taxes to be distributed back to the state as congressionally budgeted. No one, mayor, governor or citizen has asked for this deployment and the people of Chicago will be harmed by it.
Après Los Angeles et Washington, Donald Trump menace de déployer la garde nationale à Chicago
Après Los Angeles et Washington, Donald Trump menace de déployer la garde nationale à Chicago
Face à un possible déploiement des forces fédérales pour lutter contre la criminalité à Chicago, les responsables locaux dénoncent des manœuvres politiques et s’organisent pour en limiter l’autorité.
www.lemonde.fr
September 3, 2025 at 12:37 AM
Chicago has not asked for federal troops. We do not need federal troops. We need the funds we’ve paid in federal taxes to be distributed back to the state as congressionally budgeted. No one, mayor, governor or citizen has asked for this deployment and the people of Chicago will be harmed by it.
She heard me tell the dog sitter she’s older now and needs slower walks and puppy potty pads for accidents. Apparently that was shit we were supposed to keep within the family.
August 27, 2025 at 8:17 PM
She heard me tell the dog sitter she’s older now and needs slower walks and puppy potty pads for accidents. Apparently that was shit we were supposed to keep within the family.
Reposted by Dr. Jessica BrodeFrank
Mayor Brandon Johnson:
"We believe you don't solve crime by sending in the military."
"We are being targeted because of who we are as a city."
"We believe you don't solve crime by sending in the military."
"We are being targeted because of who we are as a city."
August 25, 2025 at 8:33 PM
Mayor Brandon Johnson:
"We believe you don't solve crime by sending in the military."
"We are being targeted because of who we are as a city."
"We believe you don't solve crime by sending in the military."
"We are being targeted because of who we are as a city."
Reposted by Dr. Jessica BrodeFrank
Pritzker exhorts the news media to "tell it like it is:"
"Donald Trump wants to use the U.S. Military to occupy a U.S. city, punish his dissidents and score political points."
"Mr. President, do not come to Chicago. You are neither wanted here nor needed here."
"Donald Trump wants to use the U.S. Military to occupy a U.S. city, punish his dissidents and score political points."
"Mr. President, do not come to Chicago. You are neither wanted here nor needed here."
August 25, 2025 at 8:22 PM
Pritzker exhorts the news media to "tell it like it is:"
"Donald Trump wants to use the U.S. Military to occupy a U.S. city, punish his dissidents and score political points."
"Mr. President, do not come to Chicago. You are neither wanted here nor needed here."
"Donald Trump wants to use the U.S. Military to occupy a U.S. city, punish his dissidents and score political points."
"Mr. President, do not come to Chicago. You are neither wanted here nor needed here."
Surprising no one, the list of “unAmerican” content is that which highlights/discusses white privilege, Latino culture, Black culture, and COVID history and LGBTQ+ history. Absolute bullshit.
White House Lists Smithsonian Exhibits It Finds Objectionable www.nytimes.com/2025/08/21/a...
White House Lists Smithsonian Exhibits It Finds Objectionable www.nytimes.com/2025/08/21/a...
White House Lists Smithsonian Exhibits It Finds Objectionable
www.nytimes.com
August 22, 2025 at 10:16 PM
Surprising no one, the list of “unAmerican” content is that which highlights/discusses white privilege, Latino culture, Black culture, and COVID history and LGBTQ+ history. Absolute bullshit.
White House Lists Smithsonian Exhibits It Finds Objectionable www.nytimes.com/2025/08/21/a...
White House Lists Smithsonian Exhibits It Finds Objectionable www.nytimes.com/2025/08/21/a...
Reposted by Dr. Jessica BrodeFrank
The biggest trick the devil ever pulled is to call LLMs “artificial intelligence.”
August 19, 2025 at 3:43 PM
The biggest trick the devil ever pulled is to call LLMs “artificial intelligence.”
My 35lb freeloader threw a temper tantrum when I wouldn’t give her more French fries (yes I’m weak so she got some), so I painted her portrait to show how her adorably silly she is.
August 9, 2025 at 3:57 AM
My 35lb freeloader threw a temper tantrum when I wouldn’t give her more French fries (yes I’m weak so she got some), so I painted her portrait to show how her adorably silly she is.
Me: on our first vacation in years worried how the dogs doing without us.
The dog: absolutely throwing her charms at the dog sitter, her people completely forgotten
The dog: absolutely throwing her charms at the dog sitter, her people completely forgotten
July 30, 2025 at 6:10 AM
Me: on our first vacation in years worried how the dogs doing without us.
The dog: absolutely throwing her charms at the dog sitter, her people completely forgotten
The dog: absolutely throwing her charms at the dog sitter, her people completely forgotten
Reposted by Dr. Jessica BrodeFrank
one day, everyone will have been against this
July 23, 2025 at 9:31 PM
one day, everyone will have been against this
Reposted by Dr. Jessica BrodeFrank
Palestinians are starving to death
Palestinians are starving to death
Palestinians are starving to death
Palestinians are starving to death
Palestinians are starving to death
Palestinians are starving to death
Palestinians are starving to death
Palestinians are starving to death
Palestinians are st
Palestinians are starving to death
Palestinians are starving to death
Palestinians are starving to death
Palestinians are starving to death
Palestinians are starving to death
Palestinians are starving to death
Palestinians are starving to death
Palestinians are st
July 21, 2025 at 9:53 PM
Palestinians are starving to death
Palestinians are starving to death
Palestinians are starving to death
Palestinians are starving to death
Palestinians are starving to death
Palestinians are starving to death
Palestinians are starving to death
Palestinians are starving to death
Palestinians are st
Palestinians are starving to death
Palestinians are starving to death
Palestinians are starving to death
Palestinians are starving to death
Palestinians are starving to death
Palestinians are starving to death
Palestinians are starving to death
Palestinians are st