Bronzeville Life

03/04/2026

Excited for the upcoming conversation! are hosting a special Women’s History Month panel featuring powerhouse women who are building the legacy of some of the most pivotal Black-owned brands in the world.

Panelists include:
Resa B. Luster-Mac from Luster Hair Care
Charmaine Rickette from Uncle Remus
Melody Winston from Living Fresh Market
 Sengstacke Rice from the Bud Billiken Parade/ Chicago Defender Charities

Don’t miss the Friday Legacy Talks, hosted by serial entrepreneurs Early Walker and Tia Ewing.

For more information, visit https://Inkd.in/g8GVpQcj.

02/24/2026

Please join me and the Women in Leadership Host Committee for an exclusive cocktail reception in support of Mayor Brandon Johnson on March 3rd at the iconic DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center.

Guests will enjoy after-hours access to explore the museum, live entertainment by Joyce Hurley, an open bar, and lite bites in an intimate and engaging atmosphere.

We would be honored to have you join us for this special evening of connection, culture, and celebration.

02/17/2026

Today, we join the nation in honoring the life and legacy of Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr. 🕊️

On behalf of Chicago Defender Charities, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, loved ones, and all who were impacted by his lifelong service and leadership.

Reverend Jackson was a powerful advocate for justice, opportunity, and economic empowerment in Black communities across Chicago and beyond. His presence and support throughout the years meant so much to the Bud Billiken® Parade and to our organization. He stood with our youth, uplifted our mission, and helped amplify the importance of culture, education, and community investment.

We are especially honored that he served as one of our Lifetime Honorary Marshals of the Bud Billiken® Parade — a title that reflects his enduring impact and unwavering commitment to our people.

His voice, leadership, and legacy will never be forgotten.

Rest in Power, Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr. ❤️

02/12/2026

We’re proud to share that Sengstacke-Rice, President & CEO of Chicago Defender Charities, is serving on the Host Committee for A Night at the Museum with Mayor Brandon Johnson .

Mayor Johnson has been a consistent presence and supporter of the Bud Billiken® Parade throughout the years, standing with our youth, our families, and our community. His partnership and continued engagement with Chicago Defender Charities reflects a shared commitment to investing in culture, education, and opportunity across our city.

Now we invite you to join us for an evening of connection, celebration, and impact at the DuSable Black History Museum .

Let’s continue building together.

🎟 Click the link in our bio to purchase your ticket and support Mayor Johnson today.

SupportChicago

02/07/2026

11/17/2025

♟️ Two Kings of the Chess World. One Powerful Night. ♟️

Join us in celebrating the brilliance of FM James Canty, the most internationally recognized African American Chess Master and newly crowned World (USA) Chess Boxer — and Thomas Kayrah, the former President of the Liberia Chess Federation who championed youth empowerment through chess across an entire nation.

This historic event is more than a game — it’s a movement. A salute to Black excellence, strategy, and the global legacy of chess.

🖤 Repost. Share. Support.

11/17/2025

10/21/2025

🎤 Open Mic. Good Vibes. Culture Forward.
Join us for SOUL LIVE: RESTORATION, a cultural experience curated by Deana Dean & Sharon Celeste, hosted by the incomparable Afrika Porter .

📍Soul Veg City, 205 E. 75th St.
📅 Thursday, November 6 | 8:00 PM
🎟️ $15 Donation

Celebrate soul, story, and sisterhood — With love from Bronzeville Life & Chicago Defender Charities® 💚

10/08/2025

💼 Entrepreneurs + Innovators Unite!
Accelerate your personal and business growth at the Xcelerator Business Summit
📅 October 7–8, 2025
📍The Matrix Club, Naperville, IL

🎤 Featuring: Dr. Obari Cartman, Tee, Afrika Porter & more
🔗 Learn more: www.xbsinfo.com

Grow your vision with us — presented by the Bronzeville Life Team & Chicago Defender Charities®

10/08/2025

📣 The City of Chicago is honoring Women of Greatness!
Join us to for an inspiring day of resources, jobs, and empowerment at Alderman William Hall’s Sister Empowerment Circle in the 6th Ward.

🛠️ Resources & Jobs: Operation HOPE, OEMC, DCFS, CTA, BMO Harris, RUSH & more
📍8000 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL
🕘 Doors open at 9AM | Circle begins at 10AM

— Brought to you in community by the Bronzeville Life Team & Chicago Defender Charities® 💫

09/05/2025

Chicago is built on resilience, not occupation. ✊🏾 We stand with Governor J.B. Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson in rejecting Donald Trump’s dangerous plan to send troops into our city. Our history in Bronzeville proves that true progress comes from community, investment, and unity—not militarization. 🖤

06/02/2025

What a sacred and unforgettable weekend at the 222nd Igbo Landing Commemoration.

From the vibrant celebration at the Original Gullah Festival in Beaufort, SC, to Sunday’s powerful pilgrimage across St. Simons Island, this was more than a gathering—it was a homecoming. 🌿

We worshipped at the historic First African Baptist Church with Bishop Joel Alford Jr. (166 years strong), honored ancestors at the Epworth pier, and visited sacred sites of our shared past. Rain couldn’t stop our purpose.

Thank you to our leaders:
🕊️ Dr. Sengstacke Rice for lifting the legacy of Robert S. Abbott
🕊️ Dr. , Ph.D. , for grounding us in Gullah Geechee memory
🕊️ Dr. Nkuzi Nnam, for leading a moving naming ceremony

A special moment: Councilman and Ring Shouter Griffin Lotson for gifted Professor Nnam with the Gullah flower of “life everlasting”—a symbol of remembrance and cultural continuity.

We’re proud to be joined by students and researchers from Harvard, UCLA, Dominican University, Howard, and a PhD scholar at Clark Atlanta University studying Igbo Landing itself. The next generation is here—and they are rising.

Legacy lives in us.