Journalism has played a key role in relaying news throughout history. In Chicago, it has helped provide the fertile ground for writers to grow and the discourse from which continuing images of the city emerge. As a result, newspapers became essential to creating a sense of the city for its residents, most from other parts of the United States or immigrants from Europe.
Some news publishers in the city developed distinct approaches to journalism. For instance, The Chicago Times, Chicago Tribune, and Daily News adapted methods that reflected competing propositions about the proper role of government and the nature of the urban community of Chicago.
These mainstream daily newspapers have been able to thrive throughout the years. However, others have not been able to due to many reasons, for instance:
- The ability to represent what matters most in the city.
- Reaching diverse communities across the city and nation.
- Keeping up with events, crimes, civil rights, etc., within the community.
Journalists like George Ade, Eugene Field, Ida B. Wells, Theodore Dreiser, Finley Peter Dunne, Charles MacArthur, and Ring Lardner have worked for various daily papers in Chicago. They covered a vast array of topics like sports, civil rights, and entertainment.
The Beginning of a New Era
On March 16, 1827, Black journalists rejoiced when the first issue of Freedom’s Journal hit the streets in New York City. Its editors declared, “We wish to plead our own cause. Too long have others spoken for us.”
The city of Chicago has been home to a long list of well-respected African American journalists and proud members of the Black press.
People can find the Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection at the Woodson Regional Library, which “is fortunate to be the repository for a number of journalism collections. Most notably, we hold the papers for the Abbott-Sengstacke Family. Robert Abbott started the Chicago Defender newspaper in 1905 at his landlady’s kitchen table,” according to The Chicago Public Library website.
The paper became the voice of Black America. It helped guide African Americans to the city of Chicago during the Great Migration and beyond. The Chicago Defender bore witness to the victories of the civil rights movement, the birth of blues, jazz, hip hop, and the atrocities of Jim Crow.
For years journalists have fought against negative stereotypes and brought the truth to the public’s attention. Some working their whole lives to ensure the world knows the facts locally, nationally, and worldwide.
Written by Sheena Robertson
Edited by Cathy Milne-Ware
Sources:
Encyclopedia of Chicago: Journalism
Chicago Public Library Foundation: Black Press Day: Documenting Chicago’s Journalism History; by Cynthia
Featured and Top Image Courtesy of Elizabeth M’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inline Image Courtesy of Daniel X. O’Neil’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
