"Racial peace and progress are more than moral ideals today. They are matters of profound self-interest to every person and institution in this community," wrote John McDermott, The Chicago Reporter's founder and first publisher, in the inaugural edition in 1972. (Chicago Reporter file photo)

We are proud to bring you our special 40th anniversary edition of The Chicago Reporter. The city has changed a lot in the past four decades and we have been there, reporting on race and poverty in the city from the ground level.  The following are insights from our publishers who have guided and shaped our coverage.