Introduction to Voices of Influence
As part of our “Voices of Influence: 120 Years of the Chicago Defender” series, I sat down with Dyanna Knight Lewis, the force behind the Defender’s storied Women of Excellence awards. During Women’s History Month, it felt especially fitting to spotlight the woman who has helped elevate the brilliance of more than 850 Black women since 2007—leaders, visionaries, and community builders. “We were told, ‘You’ll never be able to keep this up,’” Dyanna said. “Well, we haven’t run out yet.” This year alone, more than 400 nominations poured in.
The Impact of Women of Excellence Awards
The awards have become more than a ceremony. For many honorees, it’s their first real moment of recognition in a city that too often overlooks their contributions. Dyanna knows that feeling. Long before she became publisher, she was just a girl who showed up at a Gwendolyn Brooks poetry reading—and ended up featured in the Defender. “I thought I was famous,” she laughed. “We bought every copy we could.”
Dyanna Knight Lewis: A Legacy of Leadership
Eighteen years later, Dyanna is now the Defender’s longest-serving woman publisher and a regional VP at Real Times Media. She led the newspaper’s digital transformation in 2019—a bold move that stirred strong opinions but widened its reach to over 100,000 monthly online visitors. And yet, her core mission remains unchanged. “I love the work I do,” she told me. Dyanna’s story is emblematic of the Defender’s legacy: a young girl once seen in its pages, now leading it into the future.
A Conversation with Dyanna Knight Lewis
Monique Roberson (L) interviews Dyanna Knight Lewis (R), publisher of The Chicago Defender. Whether she’s preparing for Women of Excellence or nudging the men to answer their emails for the upcoming Men of Excellence, she stays rooted in purpose. “They are seen,” she said. “And if they were never seen before, that moment makes all the difference.” Watch my one-on-one interview with this phenomenal woman heading a historic publication:
About Monique Roberson
Monique Roberson, affectionately known as Coach Mo, is a modern-day Media Darling whose voice captivates, connects, and catalyzes change. She has a unique commanding presence and a gift for drawing out powerful, purposeful conversations, Monique has become a trusted interviewer, sought-after panel moderator, magnetic workshop facilitator and motivational speaker. Whether she’s on stage, on camera, or in intimate dialogue, Monique brings depth, clarity, and warmth to every exchange. Her signature style blends journalistic curiosity with spiritual insight, always elevating the voices of others while anchoring the moment in purpose and power.
Conclusion
Dyanna Knight Lewis’s dedication to the Chicago Defender and its Women of Excellence awards is a testament to the power of community and recognition. Through her work, she has created a platform for countless Black women to be seen and celebrated, leaving a lasting impact on the city and beyond. As we continue to celebrate the legacy of the Chicago Defender, we honor the voices of influence that have shaped its history and look forward to the future of this iconic publication.
FAQs
Q: What is the Chicago Defender?
A: The Chicago Defender is a historic newspaper that has been in publication for over 120 years, serving the African American community in Chicago and beyond.
Q: What are the Women of Excellence awards?
A: The Women of Excellence awards are an annual ceremony hosted by the Chicago Defender to recognize and celebrate the achievements of Black women in the community.
Q: Who is Dyanna Knight Lewis?
A: Dyanna Knight Lewis is the publisher of the Chicago Defender and the force behind the Women of Excellence awards. She is also a regional VP at Real Times Media.
Q: How can I watch the interview with Dyanna Knight Lewis?
A: You can watch the interview with Dyanna Knight Lewis by clicking on the YouTube link provided in the article.
