50 signatures reached
To: The Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners
Park Name Change from Ellis to Ida B. Wells
We are a multi-generational group of former residents of the CHA Ida B. Wells Housing Development that seek to have 1 of the 2 parks that are located adjacent to the former Housing Development renamed in honor of Ida B. Wells.
Chicago has more than 600 parks throughout the city, and notably only 71 are named after women, and a paltry number of them are named after African American Women. The District has conceded that more has to be done to address this and has launched and implemented a proposed Park renaming process that is seeing great results.
Ida B. Wells meets all the park renaming criteria as put forth on the Chicago Park District's webpage, Park Namings and Renamings, and momentum is growingt throughout the community to bring this effort to fruition. What a fitting testament and suitable location to add to her celebrated legacy. She not only lived and worked in this community but worshipped here as well.
Our Working Group has gotten commitments for Letters of Support from elected officials, organizations/institutions as well as strong resident support.
We are prepared and ready to move forward expeditiously to rename this neighborhood park.
Chicago has more than 600 parks throughout the city, and notably only 71 are named after women, and a paltry number of them are named after African American Women. The District has conceded that more has to be done to address this and has launched and implemented a proposed Park renaming process that is seeing great results.
Ida B. Wells meets all the park renaming criteria as put forth on the Chicago Park District's webpage, Park Namings and Renamings, and momentum is growingt throughout the community to bring this effort to fruition. What a fitting testament and suitable location to add to her celebrated legacy. She not only lived and worked in this community but worshipped here as well.
Our Working Group has gotten commitments for Letters of Support from elected officials, organizations/institutions as well as strong resident support.
We are prepared and ready to move forward expeditiously to rename this neighborhood park.
Why is this important?
This former CHA Housing Development which was demolished in 2011, was a special place for many former residents named in honor of this courageous, nationally/internationally historic figure, a Crusader for Justice, Ida B. Wells
Although it was called "the ghetto by some and projects by others", it was a closely knit, caring and protective community that produced respected educators, world renowned musical geniuses, a scientist, business owners, major league athletes, government officials, industry leaders and many achievers with successful careers in this city, state and country.
Renaming this community park where many of us enjoyed leisure time, sports and family activities is our " collective contribution " to the memory and honor of Ida B. Wells for whom our housing development was named , a special place and connection to the land where our roots run deep...lest we forget.
Although it was called "the ghetto by some and projects by others", it was a closely knit, caring and protective community that produced respected educators, world renowned musical geniuses, a scientist, business owners, major league athletes, government officials, industry leaders and many achievers with successful careers in this city, state and country.
Renaming this community park where many of us enjoyed leisure time, sports and family activities is our " collective contribution " to the memory and honor of Ida B. Wells for whom our housing development was named , a special place and connection to the land where our roots run deep...lest we forget.