Marshelle Sanders

1 week ago | chicagodefender.com | Marshelle Sanders

Mayor Brandon Johnson participates in a panel discussion during the Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers – A Unified Path to Hope and Reentry Summit at Breakthrough FamilyPlex in East Garfield Park; April 2025 (Photos Courtesy of The City of Chicago). For many, exiting prison can be as tense as entering it, regardless of the circumstances. Returning citizens often face a variety of challenges, from trauma, finding stable employment and accessing mental health support.

3 weeks ago | chicagodefender.com | Marshelle Sanders

From L–R: Deon Hodrick, community advocate and entrepreneur; Richard Wallace, founder of Equity and Transformation (EAT); Clinton Boyd, Jr., executive director of Fathers, Families & Healthy Communities; and Daniel Ash, president of the Field Foundation, speak during the “Breaking the Chains” panel on reclaiming wealth, power, and dignity for Black men in Chicago (Photo Courtesy of The Field Foundation).

3 weeks ago | chicagodefender.com | Marshelle Sanders

Debra Vines, founder of The Answer Inc., hosts the 17th Annual Walk-A-Thon to raise autism awareness and support families in underserved communities. Inspired by her son, Jason, Vines continues her mission of advocacy, education, and empowerment (Photo Provided). When a mother loves her child, that love is expressed through unconditional sacrifice, tireless effort, and unwavering devotion, but above all, through love itself.

3 weeks ago | chicagodefender.com | Marshelle Sanders

Chicago Defender writer Marshelle Sanders with Monique Roberson (Photo Provided)This story is part of The Chicago Defender’s Money Smart Week coverage, highlighting the importance of estate planning and financial empowerment in the Black community. In honor of Money Smart Week, The Chicago Defender highlights the importance of estate planning, not just as a financial necessity but as an actual love letter to your family.

3 weeks ago | chicagodefender.com | Marshelle Sanders

April Snow of Self-Help Federal Credit Union honors the legacy of historic Seaway Bank while teaching the South Side community how to build wealth, one account at a time (Photo Credit: Marshelle Sanders). “This is a legacy of inspiration. And we’re just getting started,” said Chatham Branch Manager April Snow of the Historic Seaway Bank, which was opened in 1965 and closed in 2017 and is now operating as Self-Help Federal Credit Union located on the south side of Chicago at 645 E.