Bud Billiken Day originated in 1929, as the fulfillment of Chicago Defender founder Robert S. Abbott’s wish to organize a day of fun for the youth who sold his newspaper and Bud Billiken Club members. Click "Read more" to find out the history, dates and events associated with the Bud Billiken Parade, as well as information on the 2011 Bud Billiken King and Queen contest.

It takes special boys and girls to become members of the Bud Billiken Parade Royal Court. Do you have what it takes to be King, Queen, Prince, Princess, Lord or Lady of the Bud Billiken Parade? Click "Read more" to find out if you have what it takes be Bud Billiken royalty.

The Chicago Defender continues a tradition as they acknowledge and honor leaders who have gone above and beyond.

The Defender’s signature event, Newsmakers Awards and Scholarship Gala, honored seven people this year who have been exemplary in their craft.

Honorees are selected because they have stood the test of time, are rising to new heights and continue to daily set the pace on October 17, 2009.

Real Times Media and the Chicago Defender welcome our readers to check out the Sound Tour with Mary Mary, Marvin Sapp, Kierra "Kiki" Sheard and Bill Moss Jr. Click here to find out how to purchase or win tickets to the Arie Crown theater performance on Friday, May 29, 2009.

100 BLACK MEN OF CHICAGO, INC. has continued to be extremely active and impactful as a leading community-based organization. The organization’s success with mentoring, education, health and wellness, and economic development outreach programs has been evident locally, nationally and internationally. Click here for details on the 100 Black Men of Chicago, Inc.'s 12th Annual Benefit Awards Reception on May 23, 2009.

Celebrate Biz Markie's Birthday with Slick Rick giving us a special birthday performance and Biz on the turntables on Sunday, April 5, 2009 at 8 p.m.

This event is a month-long exhibition with a VIP reception mid-month followed by a short lecture by a prominent African American historian on February 2 - March 31, 2009.