Entertainment | Chicago Defender

A Mother and Wife with Strength and Grace: Jennifer Theriot Leads as Sarabi in The Lion King

Marshelle Sanders - October 3, 2025

Jennifer Theriot, a seasoned performer in The Lion King, shares her experiences and personal insights into portraying Sarabi, the mother of Simba and wife...

Building a Village Where Black Men Can Heal — And You Can Help.. TMH MANCAVE in Chicago, IL

monique roberson - October 2, 2025

Sometimes the most powerful movements start with the smallest spark that turns into a very bright light. This month, I sat down with the team...

Morris Chestnut & Harold Perrineau Bring Sable Bourbon to Chicago, Celebrate 25 Years of ‘The Best Man’

Marshelle Sanders - February 11, 2025

Actors Morris Chestnut and Harold Perrineau, known for The Best Man series, launch Sable Bourbon with Taye Diggs and Malcolm D. Lee (Photo Credit:...

Richard Gallion’s Journey: From Chicago’s West Side to Theater and Film Success

Marshelle Sanders - February 3, 2025

Richard Gallion overcame challenges to build a thriving career in acting, writing, and directing. His latest production, "A Fall from Royalty," explores history, community,...

72 Years Ago, Ruby McCollum Murdered the White Doctor Who Raped Her. Now Her Story is Being Retold

Jeremy Allen, Executive Editor - December 12, 2024

Few stories are as gripping and notorious as the tale of Ruby McCollum and Dr. Clifford Leroy Adams Jr., a physician and senator-elect who...

Why Drake Taking Legal Action Over Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’ Makes A Mockery Of Rap Culture

A.R. Shaw, Executive Editor - November 25, 2024

Three days after Kendrick Lamar released his latest album "GNX," Drake took action of his own in a court room. Months after being involved...

Hip-Hop, Wrestling Collide at Westside Gunn’s ‘Heels Have Eyes’ at the UIC Forum

Evan Moore - November 5, 2024

Buffalo, New York rapper and businessman Westside Gunn (Photo Credit: Vani Digital LLC). Hip-hop music's influence on pro wrestling — believe it or not —...

Chicago Fashion Designer Barbara Bates to Host Annual Show for Breast Cancer Awareness

Site Editor - October 18, 2024

Barbara Bates is a Breast Cancer Survivor with an imaging center named after her at Mount Sinai, where the fashion show will take place...

EXCLUSIVE: Donnell Rawlings Talks Chicago Shows, Comedy and Dave Chappelle

Marshelle Sanders - October 10, 2024

Comedian Donnell Rawlings, best known for his work on Chappelle's Show, opens up about his career, friendship with Dave Chappelle, and his upcoming stand-up...

Lollapalooza 2024 Review: Spotlighting the Black Stars and Emerging Talents

Marshelle Sanders - August 7, 2024

Megan Thee Stallion embraces Angel Reese during the rapper's Lollapalooza performance (Photo Credit Instagram). Since its inception in 1991, Lollapalooza has spotlighted Black culture, celebrating...