Early Life & Education
Robert S. Abbott was born on November 24, 1868, on St. Simons Island, Georgia. His parents, Thomas and Flora Abbott, were former slaves who gained their freedom through Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.
Abbott attended Claflin College in South Carolina and Hampton Institute (now Hampton University), where he trained as a printer. He graduated from Kent College of Law in Chicago in 1899 with a law degree.
Founding The Chicago Defender
In 1905, Abbott published the first edition of The Chicago Defender with just a quarter. The newspaper began as a four-page publication and grew into a national force.
By 1929, The Defender had a circulation of 250,000 copies weekly and was recognized as “The World’s Greatest Weekly.” Abbott’s entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to justice made the newspaper a powerful voice for African Americans and earned him recognition as one of the first self-made African-American millionaires.
Legacy and Impact
Launched in 1929, the Bud Billiken Parade and Club significantly reduced juvenile crime in Chicago. Today, it remains one of the largest parades in the United States, celebrating African-American culture and community.
Abbott used The Defender to shine a light on racial injustices, advocate for equality, and educate African-Americans about their rights. His work influenced millions and left a lasting impact on American society.
Honors and Recognition
In 1944, a World War II liberty ship was named in his honor, one of only 13 ships named for outstanding African-Americans.
Abbott’s home at 4742 South Grand Boulevard in Chicago is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Robert S. Abbott Elementary School in Chicago honors his commitment to education and justice.
