Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

The Black Press As A Political Institution: How The Chicago Defender Portrayed Jesse Jackson And Barack Obama's Historical Presidential Campaigns, Cristina Mislan

LSU Master's Theses

Since the inception of Freedom’s Journal in 1827, the black press has sought to elevate the black community as well as advocate for civil rights and justice. This thesis examines news coverage in the Chicago Defender, a prominent black newspaper that has created a public sphere for the black community. Specifically, this research reveals whether the newspaper framed Reverend Jesse Jackson’s 1988 campaign differently from President Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign. Furthermore, this thesis sought to reveal how a well-known black newspaper provided meaning for its readers about two black presidential candidates who adopted disparate political messages in order to appeal …