Join the Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library and the Georgia Writers Hall of Fame for a panel discussion focused on Black publishing in Georgia, hosted in honor of Robert Sengstacke Abbott.

Born on St. Simons Island, Abbott founded The Chicago Defender in 1905. He was inducted posthumously into the Georgia Writers Hall of Fame in 2024. To honor his life and legacy, speakers at the event will discuss the history of Black publishing and media, its significance to Black communities, and the important role of Black reporters, editors, columnists, and correspondents in a digital world. Featured panelists include Janis Ware (Publisher, The Atlanta Voice), Greg Davis (Vice President, Davis Broadcasting of Atlanta) and Nick Chiles (Writer in Residence, Grady College of Journalism, University of Georgia).

Following the event, a light reception will take place in the exhibition hallway. This event is free and open to the public. is co-sponsored by the Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, the Georgia Writers Hall of Fame, the Athens chapter of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), the Digital Library of Georgia, and the University of Georgia Press. For more information, contact Meredith Young at meredithbyoung@uga.edu.