Chicago Chapter NABJ 2009-2010 Chapter of the year Chapter of Vernon Jarrett, NABJ Founder December 3, 2015 Ms. Cheryl Mainor President/Publisher The Chicago Defender 4445 S. King Dr. Chicago, Ill. 60653 Ms. Kai El’Zabar Executive Editor The Chicago Defender 4445 S. King Dr. Chicago, Ill. 60653 Dear Ms. Mainor and Ms. El’Zabar: The National Association of Black Journalists - Chicago Chapter was shocked by your December 2 edition, which featured a front-page photograph of a body that was said to be murdered Chicago teen Laquan McDonald. Unfortunately, we believe The Chicago Defender's use of photographs that have circulated for some time off the grid — and for appropriate reasons had not been publicized — was in bad taste. We feel it necessary to communicate this, as we have many times before with other news agencies. We understand the newspaper picking up on the comparison to Emmett Till that has been voiced by the young people driving this current movement and wave of protests for change. However, we cannot imagine that this African-American family — which, unlike Mamie Till Mobley, reportedly did not want to see the video of the horrific killing or have it publicized — deserved or invited this sensationalism. We would say the same were it a white-owned newspaper or television outlet that had made such a choice. We trust that you will receive this communication in the spirit in which it is sent. We all want to do our part to propel this current Civil Rights Movement and the efforts of its leaders, but not at the cost of distastefulness and sensationalism. We welcome your feedback, and future consultation between our organizations should you choose, as we all have the same mission. Sincerely, National Association of Black Journalists - Chicago Chapter Cc: Sarah Glover, NABJ President Marlon Walker, NABJ Vice President-Print P.O. Box 81228, Chicago, IL 60681 www.nabjchicago.org .