Robert S. Abbott: How History Has Affected American History

Throughout time, American history has had a great impact on American journalism. This has been shown from technology creating more platforms for journalists to disseminate news, e.g. the birth of radio, television, and computers. History has also affected American journalism in terms of what journalists can publish, such as FCC regulations and the Libel Act. Although we’ve seen American history affect journalism, we’ve also seen journalism affect history as well. One instance in which we’ve seen this is with Robert Abbott. Robert S. Abbott, founder of the Chicago Defender, influenced the migration of millions of African Americans from the south to the north in what we now refer to as “The Great Northern Drive.” Not only was Abbott an instrumental piece to the Great Migration, but he was also the leader of the African American press, which influenced the birth of many black papers during his career. His influence on those
It became a paper that cultivated a sense of solidarity in the black community. It included columns to showcase the work of notable black figures such as Langston Hughes and Gwendolyn Brooks. “The Defender did not use the words ‘Negro’ or ‘black’ in its pages. Instead, African Americans were referred to as ‘the Race’ and black men and women as ‘Race men and Race women’” (PBS The Chicago Defender). Whenever they would mention Caucasions, they would attach “(white)” next to their name. This humorous tactic was used to satirize white papers attaching “(Negro)” to African Americans. Abbott’s Defender allowed participation among its readers such as advice columns for black women that would write letters to the paper. They also included logs and updates of ordinary people in the community, whether they were taking a trip, getting a car, or getting married. These features helped the Abbott’s paper become a social and participatory paper for the