Innovation

The Chicago Defender Charities was founded in 1945. It came to existence based on the Chicago Defender Newspaper which was founded in 1905. Today, the Chicago Defender Charities is based on nearly 120 years of service to the community.

Mission

We are a 501c3 Non-Profit organization that focuses on Arts and Education. We connect the community to opportunities dedicated to performing arts, education, health, wellness, business training and entrepreneurial development. We strive to unite, empower, improve the quality of life, and enrich families and individuals in our communities.

Education

Our core values lie within the heart of the youth. With the parade timed at the close of summer, Bud Billiken is widely lauded as the kick off to the school year. The celebration includes gifting children with back to school supplies and offering scholarships .

Empower

The Bud Billiken Festival, launched after the parade, features organizations like Illinicare and the Obama Foundation that champion education, career development, job placement, health, and wellness.

Experience

Looking to the showmanship of the Chicago Defender Newsboys, who used song and dance to woo customers, Bud Billiken provides a platform for youth to feature their unique talents. During the parade and in competition, the community is united to enjoy the show.

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History

1905

Father of Black Journalism

Robert Sengstacke Abbott founded the Chicago Defender Newspaper, a weekly publication for African Americans. It is viewed by many as the most influential of all African American newspapers.

1916

Promised Land

Robert Sengstacke Abbott was the primary driving force behind The Great Migration, the mass exodus of African Americans from the south to the north around the time of World War I. His primary tool was promotion in the Chicago Defender of the North as the promised land. The newspaper was distributed by the African American Pullman Porters, railroad porters who had access to travel throughout the south. Approximately 1.5 million made this journey to a better life at the urging of Mr. Abbott.

1916

Black Metropolis / News Boys

The Chicago Defender was an integral part of Bronzeville, the community in Chicago where most African Americans lived during the first half of the twentieth century. Bronzeville was a hub for Black business, art, and culture for many resulting from The Great Migration.

Mr. Abbott utilized young boys to sell the newspaper in Bronzeville. They used song and dance to attract customers. This connection with youth proved to be a significant starting point for what was to come.

1921

Bud Billiken® & Chicago Defender Jr.

Mr. Abbott started the Bud Billiken® Club for youth. He named it after the Billiken, the mythical guardian angel of children according to Chinese legend. Club members joined from across the country. He also started Chicago Defender Jr., the children’s page in the newspaper. It encouraged reading, appropriate social conduct, and involvement in the community. It also included letters written by youth and applications to the Bud Billiken® Club.

1923

Bud Club

A social club for black young people in Chicago, established in 1923 by Abbott.

1925

Bud the Billiken

The original Bud Billiken Club mascot.

1923

Bud Billiken Parade / Bud Band

Mr. Abbott expanded the Bud Billiken concept to include a parade. The first parade’s goal was to honor the hard work and dedication of the newsboys.

After its inception, Mr. Abbott created the newsboys band which included musical greats such as Nat King Cole and Lionel Hampton.

1929 - Present

Sengtacke Legacy

The paper has been run by 4 generations of the Sengstacke family.

Our Impact

Bud Billiken® Parade Audience

300,000+

Attendees
2.1 Million

Television Viewers
3 Million

Social Media Impressions

Community

200

We work with marching bands, drill teams, dance teams, cheerleaders, tumblers and artistically gifted youth.
85+

Over eighty-five sponsors, corporations, government agencies, TV/radio stations and more work with us.