Sherina Maye Edwards, Advocate for Academics, Named Chair of 25th Annual UNCF Gala in Chicago
Sherina Maye Edwards has been named Gala Chair of the “25th Annual UNCF “A Mind Is…” Gala, which will be held on June 14, 2025, at the Geraghty in Chicago. For the 25th anniversary, the “A Mind Is…” Gala will be a flashback to its original theme, a Black & White Ball. “As an alum of two Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Spelman College and Howard University School...
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Exclusive Q&A: Ralph Clark on Chicago’s ShotSpotter Controversy and City Council Vote
Ralph Clark, CEO of SoundThinking, spoke exclusively to The Chicago Defender about the technology’s value and the implications of the council’s decision (Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons and soundthinking.com). Earlier this week, the City Council overwhelmingly voted to grant Chicago police superintendent Larry Snelling the power to renew the city’s ShotSpotter contract. This move defied Mayor Brandon Johnson’s wish to terminate the controversial gun detection technology. Not long after that vote,...
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Illinois Democrats Secure Decisive Wins in Congressional Races
In a decisive win for Illinois Democrats, incumbents Jonathan Jackson, Robin Kelly, Danny K. Davis, and Lauren Underwood retained their seats, underscoring the state’s strong blue presence in Congress. According to the Associated Press, Illinois Democrats took 14 of the state’s 17 congressional seats, marking decisive wins in closely watched races. Key victories included incumbents Jonathan Jackson, Robin Kelly, Danny K. Davis, and Lauren Underwood, each defeating Republican challengers by...
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Bobby L. Rush Honored at Legacy Gala, Announces New Community Initiative
Community leaders and activists gathered to celebrate Bobby L. Rush’s decades of service. The former U.S. Congressman reflected on his journey and unveiled a project that will continue his legacy of social justice and empowerment (Photo Credit: Lanette Warbington). On Saturday night, Oct. 26, leaders from across Chicago gathered at Cinespace Studios to celebrate the life and career of former U.S. Congressman Bobby L. Rush. The Legacy Gala, a tribute...
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An Exclusive Conversation With Garien Gatewood, Chicago Deputy Mayor of Community Safety
As the city explores alternatives, Deputy Mayor of Community Safety Garien Gatewood shares the Johnson Administration’s vision for investing in people and improving first responder technology (Photo Credit: Chicago Mayor’s Office). With Chicago pulling the plug on ShotSpotter, what will replace it? The city recently opened bids from vendors offering alternative first responder technology to replace the acoustic gun detection technology. Chicago isn’t the first city to scrap ShotSpotter...
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Chicago’s Deputy Mayor of Community Safety, Garien Gatewood, Ending Overpolicing in Black and Brown Communities
ShotSpotter and Deputy Mayor of Community Safety Garien Gatewood (Photo Credits: chicagojustice.org and Chicago Mayor’s Office). Chicago officially ended its contract with ShotSpotter, fulfilling Mayor Brandon Johnson’s campaign promise. Depending on who you talk to, ShotSpotter’s end either means that police response to shootings will be hindered, ultimately leading to an uptick in crime, or without it, Black and Brown communities won’t be overpoliced. The city is doing away...
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