.jpg "Image of Robert Sengstacke Abbott")
Without Robert Sengstacke Abbott's (1868-1940) creative vision, many of the Black publications of today—such as
Ebony, Essence, Black Enterprise, and
Upscale—wouldn't exist. In 1905, Abbott founded the
Chicago Defender weekly newspaper. The paper originally started out as a four-page pamphlet, increasing its circulation with every edition. Abbott and his newspaper played an integral part in encouraging African Americans to migrate from the South for better economic opportunities.
GORDON COSTER//GETTY IMAGES