The Defender: How the Legendary Black Newspaper Changed America by Ethan Michaeli

The Defender: How the Legendary Black Newspaper Changed America is an expansive history book written by Ethan Michaeli about an iconic American newspaper, The Chicago Defender. The book is Michaeli’s narrative account of the newspaper’s history from its founding to the present day. The book details how the newspaper became an international phenomenon and its role in major social and political changes in the United States.

The book chronicles the newspaper’s journey from its beginnings as a regional newspaper for African Americans in the South Side of Chicago, to the significant influence it held in defining Black culture and knowledge. Founded in 1905 by Robert Sengstacke Abbott, The Defender’s mission was to fight racial injustice in all forms, push boundaries and help create a better world for African Americans. The newspaper quickly became a symbol of Black resilience in the fight against racism.

The book looks at the creative tactics employed by The Defender, such as its circulation of "readers' books," which allowed subscribers in segregated rural areas to access content without the risks of being seen by whites. It also recounts how the newsroom staff found innovative ways to escape censorship and network with writers in other countries. The book’s detailed analysis of the resilience of The Defender in the face of censorship and oppression epitomizes what many African Americans had to go through during the Civil Rights Movement. It reflects why The Defender was such an invaluable source for Black perspectives and culture.

Through The Defender’s history, readers can appreciate the integral role the newspaper played in arms of the Civil Rights Movement, for example in the 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott and the 1964 Freedom Summer. By becoming an international voice for Blacks in America, it was able to bridge the gap between different Black communities in the United States, and bring to light the common plight of African Americans everywhere.

The Defender also examined the discrimination and racism that Black people faced in their everyday lives. Focusing on the injustices, the newspaper showed its readers the continued prevalence of racism in institutions such s as policing and housing. Networking with chapters of the NAACP, The Defender was able to spread its message of resistance across Black America, and accompany the movement’s victories with a frontline account of the struggles.

The Defender was not only a newspaper; it was a symbol of Black unity, power, and hope. As Michaeli puts it, The Defender was the “conscience of Black America”, and the book demonstrates how editorials, interviews, and hard-hitting stories defined the paper’s success. All of this is detailed in the book, and readers can appreciate how the newspaper inspired readers to become involved in the Civil Rights Movement.

The Defender: How the Legendary Black Newspaper Changed America is a thorough exploration of the history and legacy of The Chicago Defender. As a source of Black culture and a platform for civil action, The Defender played an integral role in shaping the social and political landscapes of both America and the world. Its significance in the Civil Rights Movement and in African American history should not be forgotten. Through Michaeli’s book, the revolutionary impact of The Defender can be seen and appreciated, leaving readers with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the powerful newspaper.