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As we close out our staff appreciation posts and gear up for our 120th anniversary on today, May 5, we’re paying homage to our fearless leader — Dyanna Knight Lewis, Regional Vice President of Real Times Media and Publisher of the Chicago Defender! 🖤

The Defender is in her blood — from appearing in its pages as a child to now leading as publisher. She’s seen it all, shaped our legacy, and continues to champion the stories that matter. Today, we celebrate her!

Follow Dyanna and be inspired: @iam2dy4

#ChicagoDefender120 #BlackLeadership #WomenWhoLead #MeetTheTeam #LegacyInAction

Inspiring, uplifting, empowering, and impactful—these words echoed throughout the night at the #ChicagoDefender 18th Annual Women of Excellence event. But if I had to choose one word that captures my feelings? REWARDING!! 🙏🏽🙌🏽
#WomensHistoryMonth
#MadamePublisher
#Herstory
#FromThePagesToThePublisher
#GrowGlowFlow

StylistAppreciation: @matchicproductions1 @matchic.the.stylemistress

‼️BREAKING NEWS‼️Thank you President@joebiden from the @whitehouse for acknowledging the work and efforts of The Chicago Defender and the black press for our unwavering due diligence of the coverage and documentation of the heinous murder of #emmittill. We are still here and our work continues.

Take a look at our Behind The Scenes interview with Chicago legend Derrick Rose 🌹

The Chicago Defender team had the honor of sitting down with Derrick, ahead of his award for the 2026 Man of the Year celebration.

We had a great conversation with him about legacy, fatherhood, resilience, community, and the impact of giving back to the city.

Join us on Friday, June 12th as we celebrate Derrick Rose as the Chicago Defender’s 2026 Man of the Year alongside an incredible group of special honorees whose work continues to shape and uplift communities across Chicago.

📍 June 12, 2026
✨ Link in bio!

#ChicagoDefender #DerrickRose #ManOfTheYear #CDMOE2026 #CommunityLeadership

Lights. Camera. Purpose. 🎥✨

The media runs have officially begun for the upcoming @chicagodefender Men of Excellence Induction & Awards Ceremony taking place June 12th — and this week is all about visibility, impact, and celebration.

Behind the scenes, I’m doing what I do best: connecting stories, creating conversations, and shining a spotlight on excellence. From interviews to appearances and every moment in between, I’m honored to help amplify the legacy and leadership of the extraordinary men being recognized this year.

Stay tuned… this is only the beginning. 🖤

#CDMOE26 #BehindTheScenes #ChicagoMediaExecutive #BlackExcellence #CommunityImpact

Take a look at the sneak peek Behind the scenes at the 2026 Chicago Defender Men of Excellence interviews 🎥✨

We had the opportunity to sit down with some of this year’s incredible honorees, along with their family, friends, and supporters, to hear the stories, impact, and journeys behind their success.

From heartfelt moments to inspiring conversations, the energy in the room was a true reflection of excellence and community.

These visionaries are driving real change, creating opportunities, and uplifting our communities every single day. 🙌🏾

🎟️ Purchase your tickets to hear these testimonies live and celebrate with us on June 12th:

Link in bio!

@trezpugh
@philbeckham3
@mrjasonmccoy
@derric_sm
@noirbaroque
@jkrembert
@keeanabarber
@iamroberthazzardjr
@the_sensei_of_chicago
@toisalter

#ChicagoDefender #MenOfExcellence #CDMOE26 #CommunityLeaders

For 121 years, the Chicago Defender has stood as a beacon of truth, advocacy, empowerment, and cultural influence, documenting history while helping shape it.

This edition pays homage to this extraordinary milestone and the enduring responsibility of preserving the stories, voices, and excellence of our people.

I’ve shared the Publisher’s Page link in my bio and invite you to read, reflect, and join the conversation by sharing your thoughts in the comments.

#ChicagoDefender121 #BlackExcellence #MediaLeadership #BlackPress

Stand by for new MayEdition coming . . . 🤓

To Whom This May Concern:

You can give them a little to talk about… or give them a lot. Either way, the conversation is happening.😉

New moves. New energy. New things in the works. Stay tuned . . . it’s all about to go down.

Coming soon…✨

#Dy2026Energy
#YearOfPhenomenalOverflow
#AbundanceInEveryForm
#DeterminationIntentionPurpose
#ItsMyDesireToInspire
BeingHer

The blessings of motherhood.❤️

The Before: The Florences — my beloved Grandmother and Mother.
The During: My Daughter aka Favorite Girl and Sonshine.
The After & Ever After: My Royal Grand Heartbeats - Princess Rosebud & Prince Blue.

With every beat of my heart, I am deeply blessed, grateful, and surrounded by love.❤️🙏🏽🥰

#GiftsOfGod
#LovesOfMyLife #MyRoyalGrandHeartbeats
#Legacy
#ZsaZsasBabies
BabyBlueMakesMeZsaZsaOf2

A reflection from a couple of weeks ago . . . I stepped away for a little self-love, self-care, and self-preservation. Because protecting your peace and pouring into yourself should always be an intentional lifestyle. Period. ✨

Thanks again to the hostess with the mostest!🥰

#Dy2026Energy
#YearOfPhenomenalOverflow
#AbundanceInEveryForm
#ItsMyDesireToInspire
#BeingHer

The May Mother’s Day Edition of The Publisher’s Page, from “Dyanna’s Desk,” is here. 💐

This special column honors the resilience, sacrifices, love, and legacy of mothers and mother figures who continue to shape our families, communities, and culture with grace and strength.

Thank you for supporting the legendary Chicago Defender as we continue amplifying stories that matter.

💐 Read. Reflect. Share. Celebrate.

Link in bio or 📌

#ChicagoDefender #MothersDay #PublishersPage #BlackExcellence #DyannaKnightLewis