Analysis Of The Dangerous Chicago Defender

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Once trumpeted as “The World’s Greatest Weekly,” the Chicago Defender ran its first article on May 5th, 1905. Its founder, Robert Sengstacke Abbott, began what would soon be the most influential black newspaper with an initial investment of 25 cents, a press run of just 300 copies, and his entire business was situated in a tiny space in his landlord’s apartment. What is most prominent about the paper is that it did not refer to African American’s as “negro,” or “black”; rather Abbott chose to his people as “the Race.” The circulation of the Defender increased dramatically during wartime, sailing from 33,000 copies in 1916 to 125,000 by 1918. Soon, offices were opened across the country and around the world and the Defender became the symbol …show more content…

Thornton felt that Sengstacke was first and always most important; a businessman. Therefore his position of power was one he was comfortable with, and in turn, he chose to cover crime and profiling stories, also known as “yellow journalism.” Likewise, Abbott’s approach to the paper and push for the Great Migration was inspired in part by a desire for more readers and more subscribers. Both men, Thornton argues, were in it for the money, the lavish life, the fame. In fact, to keep the peace and maintain his position, Sengstacke was less likely to support the Black Panthers and radicals, making sure to withhold a neutral stance on injustices and not print such aggressive headlines as his uncle before him had …show more content…

Over 111 years have passed since the Defender first printed its first headline, and albeit the newspaper is smaller and less pronounced than at other times in history, it is still thriving and making sure to pave ways for African American’s who have endured any type of injustice. The Chicago Defender is not just a magazine; it is a renowned legacy, a celebration of African American life and perseverance. Those who have been honored enough to learn about the amazing history and heart that the newspaper is made up of will realize that although at moments it has wavered and not been so steady, it’s original message of prosperity and liberation will live on

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