A tour of Douglas
TOURING THE BLACK METROPOLIS
Bronzeville is cultural hub, full of many kinds of African American restauraunts, historic buildings, and art. These locations paint a picture of Bronzeville as an area that is not only proud of its Black history, but also uses it to motivate younger generations to be successful.
Historic Art
King Drive Gateway Project
As a part of a larger renovation project in Bronzeville, this project was provided $500,000 to create a collection of public art. This project includes pieces such as “Monument to the Great Northern Migration” and the “Bronzeville Walk of Fame”, and runs from 24th and 35th Street. This project has been seen as an important factor in Bronzeville earning its historic Landmark status. South Side Community Art Center This center is dedicated to showcasing African-American history through art. It was created by prominent artist, writer, and community activist, Margaret Burroughs. Gallery Guichard This gallery focuses on art of the “African Diaspora”. It hosts local, national, and international exhibits on many forms of African Art. Exhibits include African sculptures, paintings, and ceramics. Victory Monument The Eighth Regiment of the Illinois National Guard, which was all black, was awarded due to “ valor and merit” during their efforts in World War I. To commemorate the regiment, this com was created in 1927. |
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Community and Cultural Centers
Meyer's Ace Hardware Store
Originally, this location originally was the Sunset Cafe (and later Grand Terrace). The Sunset Cafe was one of the city’s very few integrated night clubs. The cafe housed prominent musicians such as Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Cab Calloway, and Earl "Fatha" Hines. Hand painted musically-inspired murals were created for the walls behind the curtains at the club, and are still there today for people to see. Supreme Life Building The Supreme Life Company was the first black-owned insurance company in the Northern US. Supreme Life was critical to the development to the “Black Metropolis” of Bronzeville because it gave stability to black people’s lives, as it gave blacks the ability to buy homes, buy insurance, and also job opportunities. Nowadays, the building houses the Bronzeville Visitor Information Center. Historic Churches Quinn Chappel AME Church and Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church Bronzeville has multiple churches that have made impact on the culture of Douglas (and beyond). The Quinn Chappel AME Church is the oldest Black congregation in Chicago. It is known for its strong activism for abolitionism and Civil Rights. Due to its strong activism, activists such as Booker T Washington, Frederick Douglas, and Martin Luther King, Jr. have all come to speak there. Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church is known for its gospel origins. Professor Thomas Andrew Dorsey had combined rhythms of blues with religious lyrics. His creation led to the first gospel choir, which led to spread of this music form throughout the United States. Chicago Bee Building This building contained The Chicago Bee, a black-owned newspaper. The Chicago Bee advocated for and strived to provide better education to blacks, promote black business and literature, and work to achieve overall improvement in treatment for Blacks. Chicago Bee’s efforts allowed not only business to thrive, but allowed the spread of arts and literature that would lead to the Black Renaissance period and flourishing on Bronzeville. This Building is now apart of the Chicago Public Library system. |
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Food to Die For!
Pearl's Place
Widely known for serving the best soul food in Chicago, Pearl's Place is stand out for its quality cuisine. Specialties of fried chicken, waffles, fried catfish, peach cobbler, and sweet potato pie are all prepared and served by in house chefs. Serving Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, the restaurant is also well known for its diverse buffet options. http://www.pearlsplacerestaurant.com/. 3901 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60653 (773) 285-1700 Chicago's Home of Chicken and Waffles Offers many specialty meals including fried chicken, waffles, fried catfish, and omelettes. Chicago’s serves Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. http://www.chicagoshomeofchickenandwaffles.com/ 3947 S King Dr, Chicago, IL 60653 (773) 536-3300 Norman’s Bistro Specializes in “American Creole Cuisine with a Brazilian Flair”. They also offer twists on foods such as Baby Back Ribs and Caribbean Cole Slaw. http://www.normansbistro.com/ 1001 E 43rd St, Chicago, IL 60653 (773) 966-5821 |