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, Johnson vowed to veto the measure that passed 33-14, calling it illegal because, in the words of Corporation Counsel Mary

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 to Rush’s decades of public service, brought together a mix of politicians, activists, and longtime supporters to honor his

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 and resort to alternatives. For what life could look like post-ShotSpotter, one could look at cities like Seattle and Portland

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 with a technology whose effectiveness has been questioned. Mayor Johnson recently issued a request for information (RFI) for the city to

Emerge! Sept 2024 - Dionne Williams, Kenya Hunt, Bethann Hardison, Fe Noel, Steve Arrington, and Raval Davis (Photo Provided).  Chicago-based brand EMERGE! took over New York Fashion Week in the lead-up to Chicago Fashion Week 2024. EMERGE! provides a platform for emerging fashion designers to showcase their talents and introduce their brands to the world. Dionne Williams, the visionary behind the EMERGE! Fashion Show, expressed her excitement:  “Each year, we grow bigger, allowing designers to shine on a global platform. It’s inspiring to witness the incredible talent and creativity these

A major celebration is in order for Dr. Marlyn Hirsch, DNP-FPA, who marks over 30 years in medicine with the grand opening of her second medical facility. Dr. Hirsch, renowned for her dedication to primary care, telehealth, family practice and weight loss management, has spent decades treating and educating the communities she serves. Her second location is not just a milestone for her but a true blessing for many. A leader, mentor and trailblazer, Dr. Hirsch, a 2024 Chicago Defender Women of Excellence honoree, is committed to guiding her patients

Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller announced recently that she has secured funding to help improve our local communities. Earlier this Summer, the Cook County Board of Commissioners approved funding through the Invest in Cook Grant Program, Community Development Block Grant Program (CBDG), the Emergency Solution Grant Program, and the HOME Investments Partnerships Program to help further increase access to housing, expand employment opportunities, spur business growth and development, enhance infrastructure, and restore our community by supporting local nonprofits serving those in need. “This crucial funding supports a variety of

Quintin E. Primo III is one of relatively few African Americans operating at the highest levels of the commercial real estate business. His company, the Chicago-based Capri Investment Group, boasts more than $14 billion in real estate investment transactions completed – with more high-profile deals in the pipeline. Capri Investment Group and commercial and residential real estate development company, The Prime Group, acquired the James R. Thompson Center, a historic building in Chicago’s Loop District. The deal, which Capri expects will take about three-and-a-half years to complete, came about

Roderick K. Hawkins (Credit: Powell Creative Services). In 2024, many emerging leaders are paving the way for future generations to follow in their footsteps. Their impact is improving the community in even bigger and better ways. Roderick K. Hawkins, a Southern gentleman at heart, has achieved numerous accolades. His family's support has shaped him into who he is today: a legendary Black man of excellence who stands for equality for everyone, especially for the LGBTQ community. Southern Roots and Family Values Born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on July 30, 1974,