Leanita McClain
Encyclopedia
Leanita McClain was an American journalist and commentator, best known for her observations of race and politics in Chicago and the U.S. in the early 1980s. Her writings in the Chicago Tribune
and in opinion pieces published in Newsweek
gave broad exposure to her thoughts on race and class in the United States. Her work addressed both local topics, such as the election of Harold Washington as mayor in 1983, as well as topics of more national interest, including the challenges facing the growing black middle class.
in 1951, and grew up in the Ida B. Wells housing projects. She graduated from Chicago State University
and Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. Upon graduating, McClain joined the staff of the Chicago Tribune in 1973 editorial board. She was married briefly to fellow journalist Clarence Page
.
McClain suffered from depression through much of her life, and died by suicide in Chicago in 1984. A posthumous collection of her essays, edited by Clarence Page, was published in 1986.
Chicago Tribune
The Chicago Tribune is a major daily newspaper based in Chicago, Illinois, and the flagship publication of the Tribune Company. Formerly self-styled as the "World's Greatest Newspaper" , it remains the most read daily newspaper of the Chicago metropolitan area and the Great Lakes region and is...
and in opinion pieces published in Newsweek
Newsweek
Newsweek is an American weekly news magazine published in New York City. It is distributed throughout the United States and internationally. It is the second-largest news weekly magazine in the U.S., having trailed Time in circulation and advertising revenue for most of its existence...
gave broad exposure to her thoughts on race and class in the United States. Her work addressed both local topics, such as the election of Harold Washington as mayor in 1983, as well as topics of more national interest, including the challenges facing the growing black middle class.
Life and career
McClain was born in ChicagoChicago
Chicago is the largest city in the US state of Illinois. With nearly 2.7 million residents, it is the most populous city in the Midwestern United States and the third most populous in the US, after New York City and Los Angeles...
in 1951, and grew up in the Ida B. Wells housing projects. She graduated from Chicago State University
Chicago State University
Chicago State University is a state university of the U.S. state of Illinois, located in Chicago.-History:Cook County Normal School was founded in 1867, largely through the initiative of John F. Eberhart, the Commissioner of Schools for Cook County...
and Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. Upon graduating, McClain joined the staff of the Chicago Tribune in 1973 editorial board. She was married briefly to fellow journalist Clarence Page
Clarence Page
Clarence Page is an American journalist, syndicated columnist, and senior member of The Chicago Tribune editorial board.-Early years:...
.
McClain suffered from depression through much of her life, and died by suicide in Chicago in 1984. A posthumous collection of her essays, edited by Clarence Page, was published in 1986.