Chicago is a gritty city. Nothing is given in Chicago; you got to have guts, courage, boldness, integrity and an amazing work ethic to succeed in Chicago — and Black Chicago is even tougher.

Black Chicago is full of talent, beauty, sexiness, charm, culture and go-getters. You can’t fake it till you make it in Black Chicago. You either got it, or you don’t. You’re either a fly-by-night or someone who put in work and has the necessary credentials and references to prove it.

Dominique Bryant has proven herself to be someone you should know and emulate. She attended the great Lindblom Math and Science Academy, where she played basketball throughout her high school years. Her favorite subject was math.

After high school, Dominique attended the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Speech Communications.

Being the ultimate competitor that she is since her high schools days balling at Lindblom Math and Science Academy, she took her education to the next level and graduated from Aurora University with a master’s degree in Leisure Studies.

Dominique Bryant is not only a polymath, but she’s also a serial entrepreneur. She earned a degree in early childhood education from South Suburban College, and taught at Chicago Public Schools, where she retired. Bryant ran a daycare center for 20 years.

Her business acumen and love for community garnered the attention of the Chicago 300 Black Women where she was honored as one of “The Top 30 women of Chicago”.

Bryant became a restaurateur six years ago when she owned a Mikkeys Express. In 2022, Dominique opened a Harold’s Chicken. The Harold’s Chicken franchise has been around since 1950.

She’s intelligent, witty, down to earth, innovative, funny as all get-out, serious about business and entrepreneurship.

For some of the best fried chicken and French fries in Chicago, be sure to visit Harold’s Chicken #34 (located: 503 E 47th Street).

Thank you Dominique Bryant for all you continue to do for our community. You are the sheer essence of Black excellence.

Written By: Jim Allen