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222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza
Chicago, IL, 60654

312-380-9883

Chicago's honorary brown street signs, days, and commemorative honors; the who, what, where, when and why.  Honorary Chicago guide book, maps, biographies, history, trivia, tours, and gifts.

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Filtering by Tag: Christianity

Stone Temple Missionary Baptist Church

Linda Zabors

Stone Temple Missionary Baptist Church was founded in 1954 by J.M. Stone, who was a friend of Martin Luther King, Sr. in Georgia.

This was the first Chicago church where Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. gave speeches during the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. It supported the Chicago Freedom Movement which focused on fair housing. King moved to Chicago in 1966. The Fair Housing Act was passed in 1968. The pulpit used by Martin Luther King, Jr. is on display as are photos of Reverends King and Stone.

The building was originally built as a Jewish Synagogue when the neighborhood population was largely Jewish. Many of the original stained glass windows and interior light fixtures are original and feature the Star of David and the menorah. Stone Temple MBC retains a connection to the Jewish community and continues to hold events which honor major Jewish holidays.

The building was designated a Chicago Landmark in 2016. It was built by Joseph W. Cohen & Company Architects in 1926.

The Senior Pastor, Derrick Milas Fitzpatrick, is the grandson of the founder J.M. Stone.

Stone Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago

Photo credit: Honorary Chicago/Linda Zabors, October 2022



Honorary Stone Temple Way

Douglas Boulevard between Central Park Avenue and Millard Street

 

Approved:

Ward:
Alderman:
Neighborhood: North Lawndale

Stone Temple Missionary Baptist Church
3622 W. Douglas Boulevard


Source

Stone Temple Missionary Baptist Church
Chicago Architecture Center - Open House Chicago 2022

https://enewspf.com/latest-news/stone-temple-baptist-church-to-be-considered-for-landmarks-honor/

Charlie "Boot" Allen

Linda Zabors

Charles Herman “Boot” Allen was a businessman and educator in Chicago. He spent 35 years teaching in the Chicago Public Schools including: Mason Upper Grade, James Bowen High School,

He was the owner and operator of the Presidents Lounge on 75th Street, a popular local bar. Charlie ran an annual “Toys for Tots” campaign and established a scholarship fund for local high school students entering college.

Alum:
Tennesee State A&I University
Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago


Member
Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago


Honorary Charlie “Boot” Allen Way

East 75th Street, between South Champlain Avenue and South Langley Avenue

 

Approved: September 2022

Ward: 6
Alderman: Sawyer
Neighborhood: Greater Grand Crossing


b. December 10, 1941
d. February 8, 2017. Age 75. in Tennesee

Near: President’s Lounge
653 East 75th Street


Source

20222185

Shirley Deer

Linda Zabors

Shirley Deer was a long time resident of the Lawndale neighborhood and a devoted member of the community and of her church. She was also a member of the St. Timothy House of Prayer.

The honorary sign was designated for what would have been her 75th birthday.


Mt. Hebron M.B.C.


Honorary Shirley Deer Way

West Grenshaw Street, from South Central Park Avenue to South Homan Avenue (3400 to 3558 West Grenshaw Street)

Approved: Septembe 2022

 

Ward: 24
Alderman: Scott
Neighborhood: Lawndale


b. August 4, 1947
d. June 22, 1995. Age 47.



Source

20222473

William K. Flood

Linda Zabors

William K. Flood and his brothers founded of one of the few family owned waste hauling companies in Chicago, Flood Brothers Disposal Company in 1970. The original company was O.Z. Miller Disposal of 1963. It grew from one to over 200 trucks. The orange and green trucks Flood Brothers trucks can be seen all over Chicago.

William’s charitable interests included his church, his service on the board member of Daughter of St. Paul, and his involvement in feeding more than 4000 families through annual Christmas food packing.

For his 76th birthday he threw out the first pitch at a Cubs Baseball Game.

Alum:
St. Ignatius High School



Honorary William Flood

West 48th Place between South Kedzie Avenue and South Whipple Street

 

Approved: July 2022

Ward: 14
Alderman: Burke
Neighborhood: Archer Heights


d. June 4, 2022. Age 82.


Source

https://floodbrothersdisposalchicago.tumblr.com/post/142805246082/grandfather-william-flood-with-grandson-brody-at

20221800

New Life Covenant

Linda Zabors

New Life Covenant - “A Church for the Hurting” has established ministries for education, the homeless and food insecure, residential programs for children, young adults, and women.

Chicago Dream Center

Our mission is to REACH our community ONE person at a time by connecting them to resources that lead towards overcoming poverty, addiction, homelessness, human trafficking, and hunger.


Honorary New Life Covenant Way

3500 to 3600 West Division Street

 

Approved: February 2022

Ward: 26
Alderman: Maldonado
Neighborhood: Humboldt Park


Source

https://mynewlife.org

Lerone Bennett, Jr.

Linda Zabors

Lerone Bennett, Jr. was an author and social historian with a specialty in race relations and civil rights. He served for many years as the Executive Editor of Ebony Magazine; he began his career with Johnson Publishing as the City Editor of JET Magazine. His career in journalism began at the age of twelve at the black-owned newspaper The Mississippi Enterprise. After college he worked for the Atlanta Daily World.

His first book was Before the Mayflower: A History of Black America 1619-1962. In 1978 he received the American Academy Arts and Letters, Literature Award. In 1954 he published an article about the children of Thomas Jefferson and his slave Sally Hemings; which was verified decades later using DNA evidence.

He was a visiting professor at Northwestern University. Lerone graduated from Morehouse College in Atlanta in 1949, where he was classmates with Martin Luther King, Jr. Bennett interviewed King about the Montgomery bus boycott in 1955, and in 1964 wrote What Manner of Man: A Biography of Martin Luther King.

Veteran: Army. Korean War

Alumnus:
Morehouse College, Atlanta, Georgia
Lanier High School


Honorary Lerone Bennett, Jr. Parkway

South Chicago Beach Drive from East 48th Street to East 49th Street

 

Approved: February 2022

Ward: 4
Alderman: King
Neighborhood: Kenwood

b. October 17, 1928. Mississippi
d. February 14, 2018. age 89. Chicago


Source

https://aaregistry.org/story/lerone-bennett-jr-a-classical-author/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lerone_Bennett_Jr.


2022385

Richard Driehaus

Linda Zabors

Richard Herman Driehaus was one of the most influential people in mutual fund investing. He founded Driehaus Securities in 1979 and Driehaus Capital Management in 1982. He was born and raised in Brainerd neighborhood on Chicago’s southwest side, to a family of modest means. He became one of the top financiers and philanthropist in Chicago.

Beauty, harmony, and context are hallmarks of classical architecture, thus fostering communities, enhancing the quality of our shared environment, and developing sustainable solutions through traditional materials.” —Richard H. Driehaus

He, and the Driehaus Foundation, engaged in philanthropy, especially historic preservation, classical architecture, collecting, the arts, and education. The Driehaus Museum is an exceptional mansion restored inside and out to the Guilded Age and a decorative arts. He initiated the Richard H. Driehaus Prize for Architecture. Even though he was not an architect, he was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award 2015 from American Institute of Architects. He was also honored with the Order of Lincoln Award in 2017, the highest honor bestowed by the State of Illinois.

Alumnus:
DePaul University
University of Illinois at Chicago
Southeast Junior College
St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic School


Honorary Richard Driehaus Way

East Erie Street between Wabash Street and Rush Street

 

Approved:

Ward:
Alderman:
Neighborhood:

Near the Driehaus Museum
40 East Erie Street

b. July 27, 1942 in Chicago
d. March 9, 2021. Age 78 in Chicago


Source: New York Times Obituary

Driehaus Capital Management, About Richard Driehaus

Paul Ready

Linda Zabors

Paul Ready worked for the City Department of Streets and Sanitation for 33 years as a hoisting engineer and long time resident of the Jefferson Park neighborhood. Off-duty he was a bartender, a husband, a father of four children and a well respected member of the community.


Honorary Paul Ready Way

5300 and 5400 West Wilson Avenue

 

Approved: November 2021

Ward: 45
Alderman: Gardiner
Neighborhood: Jefferson Park

d. April 9, 2019


Body of Christ Deliverance Ministries

Linda Zabors

Since 1982, Body of Christ Deliverance Ministries has run an outreach training center with the mission

“To teach the word of God, train the Body on how to apply the word of God and send them out so that souls can be saved, healed, delivered and set free.”


Honorary Body of Christ Deliverance Ministries Way

115th Street between South Union Street and South Halsted Street

 

Approved: November 2021

Ward: 34
Alderman: Carrie Austin
Neighborhood: West Pullman

Body of Christ Deliverance Ministries Outreach Training Center
741 W. 115th Street


Albert D. Tyson, III

Linda Zabors

Reverend Albert D. Tyson, III was the former Pastor of St. Stephens African Methodist Episcopal Church in Chicago and the Presiding Elder of the 4th Episcopal District.

Reverend served on several civic, educational, and health boards in addition to his ecumenical leadership positions. He was a member of the NAACP and the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

Alumni:
Garrett Evangelical Seminary, Evanston, Illinois
Monrovia College, Liberia - Honorary Degree
Newark State College, New Jersey


Honorary Presiding Elder Albert D. Tyson, III. Way

North Albany Street at West Washington Boulevard

 

Approved: 2021

Ward: 27
Alderman: Burnett
Neighborhood: East Garfield Park

St. Stephen AME Church
3042 W. Washington Boulevard


b. June 26, 1948
d. June 21, 2019. Age 70.


Source
https://www.thechristianrecorder.com/transition-of-rev-albert-d-tyson-iii-1948-2019/

Christ Temple Cathedral Way

Linda Zabors

Christ Temple Cathedral Church of Christ Holiness, USA was initially a group of the faithful who had moved to Chicago from Mississippi and established the new church in 1917. It grew and expanded through the years; in 1972 the Church moved to it’s current location.


Honorary Christ Temple Cathedral

West 11th Place between South State Street and South Wentworth Avenue

 

Approved: July 2018

Ward: 34
Alderman: Austin
Neighborhood: Roseland

Near
Christ Temple Cathedral Church of Christ Holiness, USA
62 West 11th Place


Reverend Malachi Baker Way

Linda Zabors

Malachi G.Baker, Jr. was the second generation Pastor of the New Hope Christian Missionary Baptist Church. When Malachi became Emeritus-Pastor, his son, Earnest A. Baker, Sr. became the Senior Pastor.


Honorary Rev. Malachi G. Baker, Jr. Way

East. 95th St. Between South Dobson Avenue and South University Avenue

 

Approved: July 2018

Ward: 8
Alderman: Harris
Neighborhood: Calumet Heights

Near
New Hope Christian Missionary Baptist Church
1033 E. 95th Avenue


Source

Facebook

Santa Fara di Cinisi

Linda Zabors

In 1934 Italian immigrants to Chicago started a social organization after the patron saint ot their town of origin, Cinisi, Italy. The Santa Fara society expanded to chapters in New York and Detroit.


Honorary Via Santa Fara di Cinisi

North Oleander Street, between W. Addison and W. Waveland

 

Approved: October 2020

Ward: 38
Alderman: Sposato
Neighborhood: Dunning


Near
Society Santa Fara di Cinisi
7524 W. Addison Street


Source

Facebook

Henrietta W. Robinson Way

Linda Zabors

Henrietta was the pastor of the New Jerusalem Pentecostal Church and a community leader in the Englewood neighborhood for fifty years. She became pastor in 1974. She had been an active member of the church for several years before she was called to the ministry. Henrietta led a range of programs for the community health and wellbeing, and Bible study, and started a Women’s Day in 1968.


Honorary Pastor Henrietta W. Robinson Way

6200 block of South May Street

 

Approved: October 2018

Ward: 16
Alderman: Foulkes
Neighborhood: Englewood

d. March 6, 2001

Near
6201 S. May Street
New Jerusalem Pentecostal Church


Source

Rita Simo Way

Linda Zabors

Rita Simo was the founder of the People’s School of Music in Chicago, an organization offering free music lessons to people who would not otherwise be able to afford them. Rita was born in the Dominican Republic and moved to attend the Julliard School of Music. She took her vows as a Catholic nun and taught music at Rosary College. She left the order to fulfill her dream of opening her own music school. In 1976 she started the People’s Music School in a former beauty salon, staffed by volunteers and the donation of a baby grand piano. The school expanded to Bronzeville, Back of the Yards and Albany Park neighbohoods. Rita retired in 2001. She remained a board member of the Jane Addams Senior Caucus and a Life Trustee of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

YouTube playlist: Rita Simo. Honorary Chicago

Alumni
Julliard School of Music
Boston University, D.M.A. Music Performance


Honorary Rita Simo Way

Eastwood Avenue at Sheridan Road

 

Approved: 2001

Ward:
Alderman:
Neighborhood: Uptown
Ceremony: 2002

b. 1934. Dominican Republic
d. September 22, 2020. Age 86. Chicago

Near
People’s School of Music


Reverend Homer Gardner Way

Linda Zabors

Reverend Homer Gardner was the pastor of the Sun Rise Missionary Baptist Church. After serving in the Army, he moved to Chicago in 1957 and was an active member of the Church including Sunday School teacher, choir, treasurer, and Deacon. Until his retirement in 2000, he had a career as a metallurgist in the metals and steel industry. Homer was called to the ministry in 1977. He served as Pastor of Sun Rise Baptist Church from 1978 until his retirement in 2016.

Alumni
Army Academy
Illinois Institute of Technology, Metalurgy
LaSalle Extension University, Law
Carolina University of Theology, Masters

Veteran: Army


Honorary Reverend Homer Gardner Way

South Kilbourn Avenue between West Gladys Avenue and West Van Buren Street

 

Approved: September 2020

Ward: 28
Alderman: Ervin
Neighborhood: West Garfield Park

b. July 29, 1937 in Mississippi, Tallahatchie County
d. March 23, 2019

Near
Sun Rise Baptist Church
351 S. Kilbourn Avenue


Source

Edward J. Schmit, Jr. Way

Linda Zabors

For fourty-seven years, Edward Schmit was the owner of the Teddy Bear Day Care, which grew to six centers in the Southwest Chicago area including Little Bear for infants and the Big Bear Day Camp program. He was on the board of directors of the St. Rita High School (his Alma Mater), and the Valentine Boys & Girls Club. Ed had retired from the Continental Can Company where he worked in facilities. He had been a benefactor to the Gage Park baseball and to the neighborhood throughout his life; Ed grew up in Gage Park, and where he and his wife raised their five children.

Alumni
St. Rita’s High School, 1963


Honorary Edward J. Schmit, Jr. Way

West 51st Street, both sides of the street, between South Washtenaw Avenue and South Talman Avenue

 

Ward: 14
Alderman: Burke
Neighborhood: Gage Park

b.March 30, 1945
d. July 2020. Age 75

Near
Teddy Bear Day Care
2649 W 51st St


Joseph Muntaner Way

Linda Zabors

Joseph Muntaner was a construction contractor and super volunteer to the 1st Ward and his church, St. Bonaventure. He was very dedicated and loyal and took his work very seriously, whether it was shoveling snow or removing graffiti.

Alumni:
Mather High School

Born in Chicago


Honorary Joseph Muntaner Way

West Diversey between North Leavitt Street and Western Avenue

 

Approved: 2018

Ward: 1
Alderman: Moreno
Neighborhood: Logan Square

b. August 19, 1958. Chicago
d. May 14, 2017. Chicago


Father Martin E. O'Donovan Way

Linda Zabors

Father Martin O’Donovan grew up in the St. Cristiana parish and he served as Pastor there for 15 years. He was ordained at Mundelein in 1978 and currently serves the Saints, Faith, Hope, & Charity Catholic Church in Winnetka. Previously he led the Our Lady of Good Counsel in Bridgeport. Father Marty, as he is known, has touched the lives of several parishes in the Chicago area. He has guided his parishioners through times of scandal in the Church

Alumni
Quigley Prep
Niles Seminary


Honorary Father Martin E. O’Donovan Way

111th and Homan Avenue

 

Approved:


Ward:
Alderman:
Neighborhood: Mt. Greenwood

Near
St Christiana’s Church
11005 S. Homan Avenue


Carmie Shoes Way

Linda Zabors

Carmen Delaurentis, known as “Carmie Shoes” was a lifelong resident of Chicago’s Little Italy, Taylor Street neighborhood and the Our Lady of Pompeii congregation. He was a member of the Chicago Truck Drivers Union (CTDU) and Teamsters Union. In 1997 the Gazette awarded him the Donald C. Piemonte Man of the Year Award for Community Service.

Veteran: Army, WWII


 Honorary Carmie Shoes Way

Aberdeen from vernon Park Place to Polk Street

Approved: February 2018

Ward: 25
Alderman: Solis
Neighborhood: Little Italy

b. August 1, 1924
d. September 19, 2016, age 92.