Since its inception in 1905, the Chicago Defender newspaper has addressed local, national & international events. Over the years, the Defender has been a voice for many progressive activities, including advocating anti-lynching legislation, integrated sports, the integration of the United States Armed Services, and the "Great Migration" of blacks from south to north. The Defender has closely followed the careers of pioneering African-Americans & important figures of African descent worldwide.
The Black Studies Center database contains backfiles of the weekly Chicago Defender (Jan. 1, 1910 - Dec. 27, 1975) & the Daily Defender (Feb. 6, 1956 - Dec. 31, 1957). Use the Ethnic NewsWatch database for complete text of current articles from the Chicago Defender (1999 to current).
