Bronzeville Life

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.

03/20/2025

A Night of Legacy & Impact!

The Chicago Defender Charities is beyond proud to celebrate our President & CEO, Sengstacke-Rice, as she was honored with the Legacy Family Award at the Legacy Awards this weekend.

Myiti’s leadership, vision, and unwavering dedication continue to shape the legacy of Black excellence in Chicago and beyond. She stands for US, advocates for US, and works tirelessly to uplift our community.

Congratulations, Queen! This honor is well deserved. ✨

02/25/2025

We are proud to announce that Sengstacke Rice, President & CEO of the Chicago Defender Charities Inc, will be honored as Woman of the Year at the 21st Annual Finer Womanhood Scholarship & Awards Brunch hosted by Tau Psi Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. - Official

This event will honor incredible individuals and organizations, including Gyrls in the HOOD as Organization of the Year and others who continue to make an impact in our community.

We look forward to celebrating Myiti’s outstanding contributions to education, empowerment, and the advancement of our community.

02/21/2025

Join us TONIGHT for the Virtual BookNotes with Pastor Moss book discussion featuring Myiti Sengstacke-Rice, author of Chicago Defender, and Deborah Douglas, author of U.S. Civil Rights Trail: A Traveler’s Guide to the People, Places, and Events that Made the Movement! 📚

Don’t miss this engaging conversation about the legacies of journalism, the Civil Rights Movement, and the work of both authors.

🗓 Date: TODAY, February 21, 2025
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM
🔗 Register here: tinyurl.com/BookNotesWithPastorOtisMoss

Follow the authors:

Myiti Sengstacke-Rice:
Deborah Douglas:

01/23/2025

✨ Defender Legacy: Special Edition Release ✨

We’re proud to present the Bronzeville Life Black History Month Edition 2025—a celebration of Black Creativity, Resilience, and Legacy powered by the Chicago Defender Charities.

💡 Featuring highlights such as:
➡️ Black Creativity: 55 Years of Black Art
➡️ Legacy of a King: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Impact on Chicago
➡️ Community Spaces: Windy City Ci**rs Combines Legacy and Luxury

📖 Dive into stories of trailblazing leaders, cultural icons, and reflections on our history that continue to shape our future.

Stay inspired, empowered, and informed this Black History Month. 🖤

🔗 Explore more in our latest edition and join the conversation.

01/22/2025

🎥 Catch Dr. Myiti Sengstacke-Rice on WTTW’s Chicago Tonight: Black Voices TONIGHT!

📅 When: Wednesday, January 22, 2025
⏰ Time: 5:30 PM CST
📍 Where:

Join Dr. Myiti Sengstacke-Rice, President & CEO of the Chicago Defender Charities, for an insightful discussion on the new documentary Great Migrations: A People on the Move.

Hosted by , the segment will also feature .ife Sims via Zoom. Together, they’ll explore the profound journey of African American migration and its impact on our nation.

Tune in to celebrate history, heritage, and powerful storytelling!

🌐 More about the documentary event: WTTW Event Details

01/20/2025

“I have decided to stick with love... hate is too great a burden to bear”. -Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Photos captured by Robert A. Sengstacke.

11/01/2024

10/11/2024

🌟 Hello Family & Friends! It’s BBF | Building Brighter Futures Center for the Arts 3rd Annual Galaween Masquerade Ball Fundraiser, on October 26th! 🎉

FYI: It will always be the last Saturday in October. I would love to have your support in making our 3rd Galaween Ball a success. 💖

We will be honoring some amazing community partners who richly deserve recognition for their outstanding philanthropic work and commitment to helping those in need in our beautiful city & beyond. 🌆✨

Additionally, our event promises a great time while raising money for the children and families in North Lawndale. 🎭

A donation is always appreciated if you cannot attend. 💙

Thank you,

BBF Board Member

👉 Get your tickets here!
https://givebutter.com/BBFGalaween3/pamelablackman3 🎟️

Please share with your network! 💙

10/08/2024

Happy Birthday to the legendary civil rights leader, Reverend Jesse Jackson! 🎉

Your tireless advocacy for equality, justice, and human rights has inspired generations. From marching alongside Dr. King to your groundbreaking presidential campaigns, you’ve been a powerful voice for change for over half a century.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment to creating a more just and inclusive society. Your famous words still ring true today: “Keep hope alive!”

Wishing you a joyful celebration and continued strength in your mission.🤎

📸

07/18/2024

Congratulations to the Chosen Few DJs for another successful picnic and festival, showcasing the best in House music and legacy. Check out the photo highlights from the 40th Anniversary of House music celebration in Jackson Park.

By: Mary L. Datcher IG Jackson Park in Chicago was the epicenter of House music on Saturday, July 13, as it hosted the 2024 Chosen Few DJs Picnic and Festival. The event drew an enthusiastic crowd of die-hard fans, transforming the park into what many consider Chicago's 'sacred ground for....

07/12/2024

🌟 Hey fam! Get ready to vibe with us at our 1st Annual Bud Billiken® Parade VIP Experience Mixer on July 16th at Mesler Restaurant, Sophy Hotel! 🌟

This is the event you don’t wanna miss! We’ll be presenting our Grand Marshal Jason Weaver and our incredible Honorary Marshals. Join us for an evening of connections, fun, and celebration with our partners, dignitaries, and more. 🎉✨

Hosted by VIP MCs Marseil “Actions” Jackson and Tammy Fair , with sounds by Leon Rogers, it’s going to be 🔥.

And don’t forget, mark your calendars for August 10th for the Bud Billiken Parade Day VIP Experience. Secure your spot now! 🎟️✨

Honorary Marshals:

🔹 Jemal King, 9 to 5 Millionaire | Real Estate Investor


🔹 Keeana Barber, CEO, WDB Marketing


🔹 Latisha Waters, CEO, Empiire Dance Company


🔹 Hosea Sanders, 17-time Emmy Award-Winning Broadcast Journalist


🔹 Che “Rhymefest” Smith, Candidate for Chicago Public School Board District 10


Let’s make history together! Click the link in bio to RSVP. 🙌🏾🎊