Chicago Defender

The Chicago Defender is a weekly newspaper established in 1905 by Robert S. Abbott, aimed mainly at an African-American audience and based in Chicago.

Local, African-American/Black

English

Online/Digital

Outlet metrics

Domain Authority

Ranking

Global

#526219

United States

#119533

News and Media

#4386

Traffic sources

Monthly visitors

Articles

Soul Legend Eddie Levert Brings Timeless Hits and New Vibes to City Winery Chicago

3 days ago | chicagodefender.com | Tacuma Roeback

Soul icon Eddie Levert of The O’Jays reflects on his journey from Canton to stardom, his favorite song “Backstabbers,” and why performing in Chicago always feels like coming home ahead of his June 6 show at City Winery (Publicity Photo). Fun fact: Eddie Levert, one of the most revered voices in soul music history, happens to be a fan — no pun intended — of the hit song dominating 2025: “Boots on the Ground,” by 803 Fresh.
The Carr Report: Money Mastery…8 steps to financial power

4 days ago | chicagodefender.com | Damon Carr

Managing money doesn’t require a finance degree, a six-figure income, or the latest viral budgeting hack. What it does require is a clear system—a blueprint that guides you step-by-step toward control, stability, and long-term success. In my over two decades as a money coach, tax professional, and personal finance columnist, I’ve seen the same truth repeat itself: when people have a real plan and they follow it, they win. When they wing it? They struggle. They worry.
From the Bayou to the Stage: Meghan Dawson Brings Tina Turner to Life

4 days ago | chicagodefender.com | Tacuma Roeback

Meghan Dawson (Photo Provided). “Louisiana born and fed.”That’s the Instagram bio for actor, singer and dancer Meghan Dawson — an homage to the state, culture and spirit that has fueled her as she takes on her biggest stage role yet: Tina Turner.
Eric France Becomes Latest Candidate in High-Profile 2nd Congressional District Contest

5 days ago | chicagodefender.com | Tacuma Roeback

Businessman Eric France launches his campaign to succeed Rep. Robin Kelly in Illinois’ 2nd Congressional District. With a diverse field and redrawn map, the 2026 race is already heating up (Photo Credit: Tacuma Roeback). This past Saturday, inside a cozy restaurant along the Little Calumet River, businessman Eric France launched his campaign for Illinois’ 2nd Congressional District—one of the most closely watched races of the 2026 cycle.
Commemorating the 1919 Chicago Race Riot: How Public Art and the Chicago Defender Keep the Story Alive

1 week ago | chicagodefender.com | Tacuma Roeback

The Chicago Defender Aug. 2, 1919 edition that chronicles the Chicago Race Riot. As we embark on another Chicago summer, we revisit one of the most infamous incidents to unfold during this season 106 years ago—the Chicago Race Riot of 1919. The weeklong outbreak of violence left 38 people dead and more than 500 injured. Entire neighborhoods were shaken. The city’s racial fault lines, some still visible today, were carved deeper into the urban landscape.
Race Against Gun Violence Returns to Chicago’s Grant Park on June 5 to Inspire Change

1 week ago | chicagodefender.com | Tacuma Roeback

Photo Credit: Stridesforpeace.orgAn event borne from tragedy has now become something more than a tradition. It’s a critical fundraising event designed to fight one of the biggest scourges of our time — gun violence.
The Carr Report: Why folks are claiming Social Security early-and why you should think twice!

1 week ago | chicagodefender.com | Damon Carr

Let’s talk about the retirement panic that has folk hitting the Social Security button faster than folks rush to buy Beyoncé tickets. People are claiming Social Security at 62 like the system is about to disappear overnight. All this stress over “What if it runs out?” has folks locking in the smallest Social Security checks of their life, all in the name of FEAR.
Mayor Brandon Johnson Talks DOJ Inquiry, Public Safety, and Building a Safer, More Affordable Chicago

2 weeks ago | chicagodefender.com | Tacuma Roeback

Mayor Brandon Johnson met with Chicago Defender Managing Editor Tacuma Roeback to discuss the DOJ investigation, falling crime rates, housing goals and his strategy for a safer, more united Chicago ahead of summer 2025 (Photo Credit: Marshelle Sanders). On a sunny yet unseasonably cool Friday for a city on the cusp of summer, a noticeable cheerfulness filled the Urban Essentials Coffee Café, where Mayor Brandon Johnson mingled with residents, city officials, and staff.
‘Stepping in the Park’ Returns May 25 to Garfield Park as Celebration of Peace, Youth, and Community

2 weeks ago | chicagodefender.com | Tacuma Roeback

The fifth annual “Stepping in the Park Toward Nonviolence,” hosted by Shrone Conaway’s nonprofit To Walk in My Shoes, takes place May 25 in Garfield Park. The free event offers food, fun, family, and job opportunities for local youth (Photo Provided). For West Side Chicago’s own Shrone Conaway, there’s only one reason she does the work she does. “I’m still saving the community that saved me, and we’re still here,” said Conaway.
Evan Moore on Journalism, Misinformation, and Why Local Media Coverage Still Matters

2 weeks ago | chicagodefender.com | Evan Moore

Photo Credit: Getty ImagesMost ham-handed critiques regarding the state of journalism usually go like this:“I remember the days when the media reported the news and never gave any opinions.”And, my personal favorite:“Here’s what the media won’t show you.”The thing is that the leadership of newsrooms across the country often get together to tell the masses what they believe we should know. Opinions take on many forms.