Early Royko Up Against It in Chicago: A Tale of Resilience and Determination

The Early Life of Mike Royko: A Glimpse into Chicago's Challenges

Chicago, a city filled with rich history and diverse cultures, has long been a place of opportunity and struggle. One individual who embodied the essence of this city's challenges and triumphs is the late journalist Mike Royko. Born and raised in the heart of Chicago, Royko's early life was a testament to resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

Mike Royko in his early years

Royko's journey began in a working-class neighborhood on the Northwest Side of Chicago. Growing up in a modest household, he witnessed firsthand the struggles of his family and community. The city was known for its corruption, inequality, and organized crime, setting the stage for Royko's future career as a passionate journalist and social commentator.

Early Royko: Up Against It in Chicago

by Mike Royko(Kindle Edition)

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	651 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	232 pages
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As Royko grew older, he faced numerous obstacles that tested his determination. Chicago's public school system, plagued by underfunding and overcrowding, failed to provide him with adequate resources and opportunities. However, Royko refused to let these challenges define him. Instead, he used his insatiable curiosity and love for writing to forge his path.

A Voice for the Voiceless: Royko's Impact on Chicago

Royko's journalistic career kicked off in the early 1950s when he joined the Chicago City News Bureau. It was during this time that he honed his skills as a reporter, covering various stories that shed light on the social and political issues plaguing Chicago.

From his numerous articles and columns, a distinctive voice emerged - one that spoke for the voiceless and exposed the corrupt practices of city officials. Royko fearlessly sought the truth and held those in power accountable, earning him a reputation as a passionate advocate for justice.

His unique writing style, filled with wit, sarcasm, and biting humor, resonated with Chicagoans who were tired of empty promises and political rhetoric. Royko's columns became a must-read for many, capturing the essence and struggles of the city in a way that few could replicate.

The Chicago Political Machine: Royko's Biggest Foe

However, Royko's journey towards becoming a prominent journalist was not without its share of battles. He found himself up against the formidable Chicago political machine, led by the powerful Mayor Richard J. Daley.

Mike Royko vs. Richard J. Daley

Mayor Daley, known for his iron-fisted control over the city, was not particularly fond of Royko's critical coverage of his administration. Royko's relentless pursuit of truth and his unapologetic commentary on the corruption within the political establishment made him a target.

Despite the political pressures and threats he faced, Royko remained steadfast in his mission to expose the truth. His relentless reporting on the Chicago political machine earned him both praise and ire, but it never wavered his determination to hold those in power accountable.

Royko's Legacy and Lasting Impact

Royko's incredible journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of Chicago's most influential journalists left an indelible mark on the city's history. His commitment to justice and truth continues to inspire aspiring reporters and writers today.

Throughout his career, Royko championed the rights of the working class, the marginalized, and the oppressed. He challenged established norms and brought attention to the injustices that plagued Chicago and its residents.

His legacy lives on through his extensive body of work, including his books such as "Boss" and "One More Time: The Best of Mike Royko." These pieces of literature serve as a reminder of Royko's dedication to uncovering the truth and giving a voice to the voiceless.

The story of early Royko up against it in Chicago is a tale of resilience and determination. From his upbringing in a challenging environment to his relentless pursuit of truth and justice, Royko's journey serves as a testament to the power of individuals to make a difference in their communities.

His impact on Chicago and the world of journalism is immeasurable, and his words continue to resonate with those who strive for a more just and equitable society. Mike Royko's story will forever be woven into the fabric of Chicago's history, reminding us of the importance of speaking truth to power.

Early Royko: Up Against It in Chicago

by Mike Royko(Kindle Edition)

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	651 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	232 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Combining the incisive pen of a newspaperman and the compassionate soul of a poet, Mike Royko became a Chicago institution—in Jimmy Breslin’s words, "the best journalist of his time." Early Royko: Up Against It in Chicago will restore to print the legendary columnist’s earliest writings, which chronicle 1960s Chicago with the moral vision, ironic sense, and razor-sharp voice that would remain Royko’s trademark.

This collection of early columns from the Chicago Daily News ranges from witty social commentary to politically astute satire. Some of the pieces are falling-down funny and others are tenderly nostalgic, but all display Royko’s unrivaled skill at using humor to tell truth to power. From machine politicians and gangsters to professional athletes, from well-heeled Chicagoans to down-and-out hoodlums, no one escapes Royko’s penetrating gaze—and resounding judgment. Early Royko features a memorable collection of characters, including such well-known figures as Hugh Hefner, Mayor Richard J. Daley, and Dr. Martin Luther King. But these boldfaced names are juxtaposed with Royko’s beloved lesser knowns from the streets of Chicago: Mrs. Peak, Sylvester "Two-Gun Pete" Washington, and Fats Boylermaker, who gained fame for leaning against a corner light pole from 2 a.m. Saturday until noon Sunday, when his neighborhood tavern reopened for business.

Accompanied by a foreword from Rick Kogan, this new edition will delight Royko’s most ardent fans and capture the hearts of a new generation of readers. As Kogan writes, Early Royko "will remind us how a remarkable relationship began—Chicago and Royko, Royko and Chicago—and how it endures."