Houston Defender

The Houston Defender (Network) is a Black digital information source that originated from the African American newspaper of the same name based in Houston, Texas. Established in 1930 by C.F. Richardson Sr., the newspaper has been a strong voice for the African American community for over 90 years. During its founding, African Americans faced significant challenges, such as racism, discrimination and limited access to education, employment and political power. Today, the Houston Defender Network is pivotal in advocating for social, economic, environmental and political justice for the African American community.

Richardson Family Legacy
From its earliest days, the Houston Defender was a powerful force for change and progress. The paper covered various topics, from local news and events to national and international issues affecting the African American community. It provided coverage of civil rights struggles, including the fight for voting rights, desegregation and equal employment opportunities. The paper also highlighted the achievements of African Americans in Houston and throughout the country, in education, business, sports, entertainment and other areas.

Having also founded the Houston Informer newspaper a decade earlier, C.F. Richardson Sr. was instrumental in helping found the Houston Branch of the NAACP and the Houston Black Chamber, and was very active in his church. His fiery editorials often reflected on the critical issues impacting Blacks listed in the Defender’s 14-point platform he established.

In 1939, C.F. Richardson Sr. died and his son C.F. Richardson Jr. assumed the company's leadership. Under Richardson Jr.’s direction, entertainment and sports were emphasized as African Americans made numerous advancements in these two fields. Another interest that elevated Richardson Jr. was his love for photography which was instrumental in his teaching the craft at Texas Southern University.

Over the years, the Houston Defender has been at the forefront of many important social and political movements. From the 1940s to the 1960s, the paper played a key role in the Civil Rights Movement, providing coverage of protests, marches and other events. The paper also helped to mobilize support for the movement, encouraging readers to get involved and take action to promote equality and justice.

In addition to its role as a news source and advocate for the African American community, the Houston Defender has been a cultural and social institution. The paper has provided a platform for African American artists, writers and musicians to showcase their talents and has helped to promote African American culture and history. It has also provided information and support to African American organizations and institutions, including churches, community centers and social clubs.

Sonny Messiah Jiles, new owner
Under the leadership of Sonceria "Sonny" Messiah Jiles, the current Publisher and CEO, the Houston Defender Network continues “Raising Black Voices.” Jiles, a native of McNair, Texas, purchased the newspaper at age 27 in 1981.

Jiles has been instrumental in ensuring that the Houston Defender remains a relevant and influential source of information in the African American community. During her 40-plus years at the helm, Jiles has made significant changes placing emphasis on solution journalism, expanding community engagement through events and leading the digital transformation of the business.

In addition to her role at the Houston Defender, Jiles is a recognized community leader and advocate for social justice. She was the first Black woman to serve on the Greater Houston Partnership, a merger of the Chamber of Commerce, the World Trade Center and the Economic Development Council. Jiles has been chair of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) and the University of Houston Alumni Association.

She currently serves on the Local Media Association board and the M.D. Anderson Board of Visitors. She has received national recognition from her peers, including the National Association of Black Journalists and NNPA, and was an inductee in the Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce Inaugural Hall of Fame, along with former First Lady Barbara Bush and eight other women.

During Jiles’ tenure, the Houston Defender has received more than 100 awards for journalism, marketing and social media.

Defender Staff
The team of reporters, editors, photographers, graphic artists, administrators and distributors has all contributed to the company's success. Their commitment and dedication to educating, empowering, engaging and entertaining have been the backbone of the Defender’s sustainability. Although it is impossible to name all the team members, some stand out and are either still with us or have moved on to pursue their passions, such as Roland Martin, ReShonda Tate Billingsley, Krissah Thompson, Ruben Dominquez and more. The Defender has also served as a training ground for the best and brightest young journalists through its internship program.

Digital Transformation
In 2008 a new brand was introduced – the Defender Network, which elevated the legacy of ensuring relevance in today's media landscape and a commitment to justice on multiple platforms while promoting African American culture and history. The Defender Network has been supported by various advertisers in health, finance, retail, and more, as they leverage the partnerships to establish a stronger relationship with the Black community.

Today, the Houston Defender is a vital institution in Houston and beyond. As a member of Word In Black, a digital collaboration of top Black media publishers in the country, the Defender has extended its brand and widened its scope of influence.

The Defender’s emphasis on sustainability has attracted funding/grants resulting in an overhaul of the company in infrastructure, news gathering, technology, reader revenue and more. Funding sources include Google News Initiative, Facebook, Borealis Racial Equity in Journalism, Solutions Journalism Network, Knight Foundation + Local Media Association BloomLab and Local Media Foundation.

Thanks to its staff, content, grants and many advertising clients, the Defender Network continues to evolve and maintain its status as a leading Black information source.