From L–R: Deon Hodrick, community advocate and entrepreneur; Richard Wallace, founder of Equity and Transformation (EAT); Clinton Boyd, Jr., executive director of Fathers, Families & Healthy Communities; and Daniel Ash, president of the Field Foundation, speak during the “Breaking the Chains” panel on reclaiming wealth, power, and dignity for Black men in Chicago (Photo Courtesy of The Field Foundation). As a Black woman, I’ve seen firsthand how financial struggles can profoundly affect a Black man’s self-esteem, mental health and ability to lead his family. It’s heartbreaking to watch—and

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

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

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

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

Tonita Cheatham is an overcomer. As the executive director of community relations for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, she has built a career defined by resilience, impact and leadership. But her journey to success has been anything but linear. “There will be many turns, detours, setbacks, and even crashes,” Cheatham said. “The person I was then could not have predicted the person I would be today, where I would go, and what I would experience to get here.” That unwavering perseverance has earned her recognition as a

Keiana Barrett (Photo Provided). The Business Leadership Council (BLC), the Chicago area’s premier organization of black corporate leaders and entrepreneurs, proudly announces the appointment of Keiana Barrett as its new Chief Executive Officer. For 15  years, the BLC has been active in Chicago’s government, civic and political arenas, representing its members who are among the region’s most prominent and successful minority-owned businesses. Its leadership has been a resource for government leaders at the city, state and county levels, providing guidance on civic boards and commissions and advocacy on issues

Richard Gallion overcame challenges to build a thriving career in acting, writing, and directing. His latest production, “A Fall from Royalty,” explores history, community, and the power of choice (Photo Credit: Richard Gallion Entertainment). On a Tuesday morning, Richard Gallion started his day praying. “I sit silently for at least 15 minutes and pray,” he said. Afterward, Gallion took his youngest son to school, a significant trek up north. “Then, I pick up my other son and take him to school—two completely different directions.” Living on the South Side in

Attorney General Kwame Raoul issued new guidance to Illinois law enforcement, stressing their duty to follow state laws that restrict involvement in federal immigration enforcement. The goal is to build trust between immigrant communities and local police, strengthen public safety, and clearly define the limits of state and local authority. The guidance outlines the provisions of the Illinois TRUST Act, the Voices of Immigrant Communities Empowering Survivors (VOICES) Act, and the Way Forward Act. These laws collectively aim to build cooperation between immigrant communities and law enforcement by