Juliana Stratton Secures Key Endorsement from Illinois Governor in U.S. Senate Bid
Standing on the South Side of Chicago, where she was born, raised, and still resides, Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton made it official: she’s running to succeed retiring U.S. Senator Dick Durbin — and she’s doing so with two major endorsements already in hand. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker formally endorsed Stratton's Senate candidacy at a rally on Friday. Speaking of Stratton as "one of Illinois’ fiercest fighters for working families," Pritzker cited Stratton's integrity, pragmatism, and dedication. “At this perilous moment in Washington, Juliana’s fighting spirit and dedication to
Judge Noah Hood’s Appointment Cements True Detroit Representation on Michigan’s Supreme Court
A new chapter for Michigan’s justice system is unfolding, and this one speaks directly to Detroit’s heart. Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the appointment of Judge Noah Hood to the Michigan Supreme Court, strengthening a legacy of Black leadership and hometown excellence at the highest level of state law. This appointment is more than a milestone—it is a statement. With Hood’s swearing in, the Michigan Supreme Court now holds two proud Detroiters, Justice Kyra Harris Bolden and Judge Noah Hood, both representing the deep, unshakable roots of Black excellence
Mercer University to Confer Honorary Degree to Zelma Redding
Mercer University will confer an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree to Zelma Redding, Macon civic leader, entrepreneur, founder and president of the Otis Redding Foundation. After Otis Redding’s passing in 1967, as a young mother raising three small children, Zelma Redding earned her high school equivalency degree, enrolled in business classes and mastered the music business while keeping her husband’s legacy in the forefront. She eventually opened multiple successful businesses. “I am deeply honored and would like to thank President Underwood and the Trustees for presenting me this amazing
‘You Must Speak Truth to Power’: A candid conversation with Ben Crump
Attorney Ben Crump outside the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Photo Credit: Lorie Shaull). By James Bridgeforth, Ph.D. and Alexander Efird, Special to The Chicago Defender Introduction: The Battle for Justice Has a Voice — And It’s Ben Crump In a nation teetering on the edge of moral confusion and political regression, there are few voices who thunder with the clarity, conviction, and courage of Attorney Ben Crump. Called “Black America’s Attorney General,” Crump has carved out a legacy not just in courtrooms, but in the collective conscience of
Georgia State Senator Jason Esteves Launches Campaign for Governor of Georgia [Video]
On Tuesday, April 22, Georgia State Senator Jason Esteves (D) launched his campaign to become the next Governor of Georgia. Before representing Georgia families in the State Senate, Sen. Jason Esteves worked as a public school teacher and later served on the Board of Education for Atlanta Public Schools for nearly a decade, leading the board as chair for four years. Under his leadership, Atlanta Public Schools achieved record-breaking graduation rates and provided over $100 million in staff pay increases and stipends. In the State Senate, Jason led
Yusef Bunchy Shakur Named First Black Executive Director of Michigan Roundtable
The same neighborhood that once branded Yusef Bunchy Shakur a menace is now the place that calls him “doctor.” Because a community watched a man rebuild what disinvestment tried to erase. From the streets of Zone 8 to the seat of executive leadership, Dr. Shakur’s journey defies every statistic meant to define Black boys from Detroit. The Michigan Roundtable for Just Communities—founded during a time when folks wouldn’t even sit across a table with someone who didn’t worship like them—has named him its new executive director. For the
Chicago State Names Bobby Rome II as First-Ever Head Football Coach
Chicago State University makes history by appointing Bobby Rome II as its first head football coach (Photo Credit: Lanette Warbington). In a bold and historic move, Chicago State University has officially entered the world of Division I football. The university named Bobby Rome II as the first head coach in program history, signaling its commitment to bringing NCAA Division I football to the city. Rome, fresh off a nomination for HBCU Coach of the Year in 2024, brings a track record of high performance and program-building experience that CSU
Cecile Springer, A ‘Woman of Action’… Noted Chemist and Community Leader
CECILE SPRINGER, SHOWN IN THIS PHOTO DURING THE 2018 NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE AWARDS In 2018, the New Pittsburgh Courier proudly made Cecile Springer its legacy honoree at its “Women of Excellence” awards luncheon. But not only was she a “Woman of Excellence,” Springer’s daughter, Christina Springer, told the Courier that her mother was, a “woman of action.” There was nothing that Cecile Springer set her mind out to do that she didn’t accomplish. “She had a plan, she had a mission, she had strong core beliefs and she
Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms Announces Run for Governor of Georgia
Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has announced her intention to run for governor of Georgia during an appearance at this year’s Leading Women Defined Summit. Bottoms, Atlanta's 60th mayor is a graduate of Douglas High School, FAMU, and Georgia State University, served as a senior advisor to President Joe Biden and resigned the position, beating Donald Trump to the punch, who would go on to falsely claim that he fired her when he took office. “A day late and a dollar short,” Bottoms wrote on social media.
Chairman Fred Hampton Jr. Carries the Torch of Revolution from Legacy to Living Movement
Chairman Fred Hampton Jr. opens up about his father’s legacy, his own revolutionary work, and how the Black Panther Cubs continue the movement today (Photo Credit: Tacuma Roeback). “I’ve often said I’m a revolutionary living in reactionary times; much of my work involved being on what we call a political pivot—always adapting to the unexpected while staying focused on the mission. It’s a daily grind. But this is what movement work looks like. We stay ready.” Inside the Hampton House On a brisk afternoon, Chairman Fred Hampton Jr., Leader of