The Chicago Defender was a historic African American newspaper founded in 1905 by Robert S. Abbott in Chicago, Illinois. The paper played a significant role in the Great Migration, a period from 1916 to 1970 when millions of African Americans moved from the rural South to the urban North and Midwest.

The Chicago Defender was known for its advocacy of civil rights and its coverage of important issues facing the African American community, including segregation, lynching, and discrimination. The newspaper provided a platform for African Americans to voice their concerns and fight for equality.

Under Abbott's leadership, The Chicago Defender became one of the most widely read African American newspapers in the country. It was known for its bold and provocative journalism, and it played a key role in shaping public opinion on race relations in America.

The Chicago Defender also helped to launch the careers of many prominent African American journalists and became a vital source of news and information for the Black community. The paper's impact extended far beyond Chicago and influenced the national conversation on civil rights and social justice.

The Chicago Defender ceased print publication in 2019, but its legacy continues to live on as a symbol of resilience, empowerment, and activism in Black history.