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Robert S. Abbott, founder of the Chicago Defender newspaper, the largest Black-owned newspaper in the country | African American Registry

City of Chicago recognizes Robert S. Abbott, founder of the historic Chicago Defender newspaper: 'We honor him this Black History Month'

Chicago is celebrating Black History Month by honoring prominent Black Americans from the city and hosting several activities throughout the month.

Throughout generations, Black Chicagoans have made significant contributions and influenced change, according to a release from the city of Chicago. Some are well-known throughout the United States such as journalist and activist Ida B. Wells (1862-1931) and Jean Baptiste Point du Sable (1750-1818), the founder of Chicago, but some are lesser known including Robert S. Abbott, the founder of the historic Chicago Defender.

"In 1905, Robert S. Abbott founded the historic Chicago Defender, growing to have the largest circulation of any Black-owned newspaper in the country. We honor him this #BlackHistoryMonth," Illinois State Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Matteson) wrote in a Feb. 22 Twitter post.

According to the city of Chicago, Abbott (1870-1940) launched the Chicago Defender in 1905, and it has since had the biggest circulation of any Black-owned newspaper in the U.S. 

Other prominent Black Chicagoans include Etta Moten Barnett (1901-2004) singer, actor and philanthropist; Margaret Burroughs (1915-2010), teacher, poet, activist, artist, founder of the DuSable Museum of African American History and co-establisher of the Southside Community Art Center; Oscar Stanton De Priest (1871-1951), Chicago's first Black alderman; Hazel Johnson (1935-2011), activist for clean air and water on the South Side; and many more.

The city of Chicago has been celebrating and honoring Black Chicagoans throughout the month of February by hosting events and activities at Chicago Parks for Black History Month. Many parks in Chicago bear the names of African Americans who played significant roles in establishing the legacy of the city. So far, there have been numerous events, such as the Westside Film Series at Douglass Park, Black History Month Celebration at Foster Park and Black History Family Fun Night at Tuley Park.

Recent events also included Community Black History Exhibit at Brainerd Park on Feb. 24, PAC Black History Celebration at Garfield Park on Feb. 25 and Black History Month Celebration at Loyola Park on Feb. 26, according to the Chicago Park District.

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Robin Kelly

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