[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 54 (Thursday, May 4, 2000)]
[House]
[Page H2601]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  CHICAGO DAILY DEFENDER COMMEMORATION

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. Morella). Under a previous order of the 
House, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Rush) is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Mr. RUSH. Madam Speaker, this evening I rise to pay special tribute 
to a publication of historic proportions in the city of Chicago.
  Five years into the last century, the Chicago Defender created for 
itself a permanent place in the history of American journalism by 
becoming Chicago's most influential African American newspaper. Without 
fail, since 1905, the Daily Defender has provided news and information 
regarding African Americans and the Black Diaspora. In doing so, this 
newspaper fills an important void in Chicago's media because it tells 
the stories that much too often are not covered by other mainstream 
publications.
  In the Defender's early years, its founder, Robert Sengstacke Abbott, 
realized several impressive achievements, including orchestrating the 
``Great Migration'' campaign. This campaign brought about the mass 
exodus of African Americans from the racist South to the ``promised 
land'' of the north.
  The continued visionary leadership of Mr. Abbott's nephew, Robert 
Sengstacke, has led to Sengstacke Enterprises which includes, not only 
the Chicago Defender, but also the Michigan Chronicle in Detroit, the 
Pittsburgh Courier in Pittsburgh, and the Tri-State Defender in 
Memphis, Tennessee.
  The Defender family has become a responsive and generous corporate 
citizen over the many years. Their philanthropic arm, the Chicago Daily 
Defender Charities, has created, developed, and sponsored various 
community events, including the largest parade in the city of Chicago, 
the beloved Bud Billiken Parade. Each charitable effort has enriched 
the lives of our people, our city, and our Nation.
  The Defender has provided a medium for several talented award-winning 
African American journalists, including Dr. Metz T.P. Lochard, W.E. 
DeBois, Langston Hughes, and Vernon Jarrett. Their outstanding work 
provided the foundation for the journalistic standard that the 
newspaper continues to meet today.
  So on this day, I rise to congratulate the Chicago Defender on 95 
years of consistent, vital, exemplary work. It is my hope and my 
express desire that the Defender will continue to publish into the next 
century and beyond.

                          ____________________