In 1916, the poet Carl Sandburg called Chicago hog-butcher for the world, tool maker, stacker of wheat, player with railroads and the nation's freight handler. Today, many of the city’s factories are closed, and the communities they supported are struggling to redefine themselves. But Sandburg would still recognize the city’s vibrant culture of free speech and expression, evident in varied street protests, grassroots neighborhood organizing, and in music and alternative publishing. Chicago activists are still outspoken.