Jesse Jackson Jr. is seeking a pardon for his federal prison sentence and is advocating for forgiveness and redemption for millions of formerly incarcerated individuals.
Author Archives: The Chicago Defender
Posted inNational News
ASALH Upcoming conference defies Florida’s stance on Black History
By Tacuma Roeback, Managing Editor, Chicago Defender This week, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History will host its annual conference in a state led by a governor who has staked his political profile on being the most prominent opponent to the nonprofit organization’s stated mission: the teaching, promotion and research […]
Posted inNational Sports
Why Lamar Jackson’s Case Feels Familiar and Unsettling
By Tacuma Roeback, Managing Editor, The Chicago Defender If your salary isn’t aligned with your resume, you might understand the predicament of star quarterback Lamar Jackson. If you’ve ever seen someone less accomplished than you earn more money, you could fathom the palpable frustration around Jackson’s situation. Now, when it’s time for Jackson, an elite, […]
Posted inArts & Culture
The ‘Woman King’ makes revolutionary debut
By Stephane Dunn, Ph.D., and Beverly Guy-Sheftal Ph.D., Chicago Defender Back in a 1974 review of the Bond-like Cleopatra Jones movie starring Tamara Dobson, Feminist and former Ms. Magazine editor Margaret Sloan spoke volumes about Black female spectatorial desire. Damn, that felt good she wrote. After viewing The Woman King, we know exactly what she […]
Posted inHBCU
Inaugural HBCU All-Star Game set for April 3
By Chicago Defender Organizers of the HBCU All-Star Game announced the coaching lineup for the two teams set to compete next week. The event is taking place on Sunday, April 3 during Final Four weekend in New Orleans at the UNO Lakefront Arena at 4 p.m., E.T. The two teams are named after legendary HBCU […]
Posted inCoronavirus
Two Years Later: What the COVID-19 Pandemic Cost Me
By Racquel Coral, Contributing Writer, Chicago Defender I, like many people, did not believe the severity of COVID when first learning of it. I thought it was a fear-mongering tactic by the media to put us in a constant state of panic. Dismissing their updates and shaking my head at people for wearing masks wherever […]
Posted inAfro Briefs
Ahmaud Arbery trial heats up, only one black juror selected
By Roz Edward, The Chicago Defender Jury selection which began on Oct. 18 has concluded 8 in the trial of three white men accused of chasing and gunning down Ahmaud Arbery, an unarmed Black jogger in Brunswick, Georgia. Jury selection finished at the beginning of November, with only one black member on the 12-person panel. […]
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
To catch a predator? The R. Kelly federal trial begins
By Danielle Sanders, Interim Managing Editor Chicago Defender After years of rumors, allegations, videos, and an explosive documentary, the federal trial of disgraced R&B Singer, R. Kelly began Wednesday in a Brooklyn, NY courtroom. The trial started with only R. Kelly, attorneys, witnesses, and jurors allowed in the courtroom. Media and the public observed through […]
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Black designer Sergio Hudson on looks for VP Kamala Harris and Michelle Obama
Vice President Kamala Harri, after the Inauguration, wearing her evening look designed by Sergio Hudaon while accompanied by her husband. (Phioto/The Chicago Defender) By The Chicago Defender Former first lady Michelle Obama was radiant at the inauguration and “Extra’s” Cheslie Kryst got a chance to speak with the Black Designer Sergio Hudson who created her outfit. […]