Morris Reed Featured in Austin Weekly News
September 22, 2026We were also excited to welcome Chicago native, comedian, actor, writer and producer Lil Rel Howery to the Aspire Center! Lil Rel grew up on Chicago’s West Side and has built an impressive career in television, film and comedy.
You may recognize him as Rod Williams in Jordan Peele’s Get Out, as well as from Bird Box, Uncle Drew, Free Guy, Vacation Friends, The Carmichael Show, Judas and the Black Messiah, Space Jam: A New Legacy and One of Them Days.
During his time at Aspire, Lil Rel connected with Morris Reed and joined Knowledge Beckom for a podcast conversation filmed right here at our Aspire Center!
Listen to the podcast on Apple Podcasts:
It is exciting to see Aspire becoming a place where community, culture, opportunity and Chicago talent come together. And it is especially meaningful when people who come from Chicago’s West Side return and connect with the work happening in the community today.
Team WHA, this recognition belongs to all of us. Every program, department and staff member contributes to the impact and visibility of our organization.
