Chicago Defender

5 days ago | chicagodefender.com | Tacuma Roeback

Meet Patricia Andrews-Keenan, founder of Pigment International, leading a movement to elevate Black artists, build a sustainable art ecosystem, and make Chicago the North Star of Black fine art (Photo Provided). Her mentees call her “Auntie.”But it’s safe to say that Patricia Andrews-Keenan has helped mother a movement in Chicago—centering Black artists and building sustainable communities for them to thrive.

1 week ago | chicagodefender.com | Tacuma Roeback

Experienced, battle-tested and worthy. It’s for those reasons that Rep. Robin Kelly has launched her bid for retiring Sen. Dick Durbin’s seat, joining Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton and Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi in what’s expected to be a hotly-contested primary with more expected to jump into the fray. But Rep. Kelly is not new to this.

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.

1 week ago | chicagodefender.com | Damon Carr

Most Americans ain’t anywhere close to reaching their savings goals. A recent survey of 2,000 Americans conducted by “Talker Research” shows only 13 percent feel “very good” about their financial situation right now. Another 28 percent say they feel “somewhat good.”The majority of Americans feel shaky, stressed, and stuck when it comes to their money!They’re grinding hard, but still falling behind.

1 week ago | chicagodefender.com | Tacuma Roeback

Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL) (Public Domain Photo). U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly announced on Tuesday that she will run to succeed Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), who announced two weeks ago that he won’t seek reelection. Rep. Kelly is the second candidate to officially declare her campaign for the retiring senator’s seat, joining  Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton who declared last week. .  In a statement, Kelly said it’s a challenge she is undertaking on behalf of Illinoisans, one she is more than ready for.