Such a wonderful conversation today with Ethan Michaeli about his remarkable, sweeping history of the Chicago Defender (and of Chicago itself). It’s called, appropriately, The Defender: How the Legendary Black Newspaper  Changed America.

It’s an hour long, without interruption, and there were still hours more to talk about.

The Defender started on Robert Abbott’s landlady’s dining room table in 1905. It grew and grew until it was a major force in the election of aldermen, mayors and even presidents. It tracked the growth of the modern civil rights movement from its very beginnings.  It was a major force in Chicago politics and culture, yet so much of its story was completely unknown in present-day Chicago. Until now.

Watch it now, or download the audio podcast and take an hour-long walk on a brisk winter day.

Also, here’s a full transcript of today’s show: CN transcript Jan 21 2016