Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: Discrimination and Housing on the North Shore

—By Dino Robinson

Dr. King at a press conference at the Orrington Hotel, October 1962.

Throughout the Chicago Suburban North Shore, like most of this country, communities are celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday and remembering the many accomplishments, messages and influence he has had that continue to this day. Many cities became known as an epicenter for societal changes, influenced by Dr. King’s, and related organizations, message of equality, fairness and advocacy for fair housing.

Chicago’s suburban North Shore became an epicenter around fair housing, though its struggle for equality, equity and housing began as early as 1910. A 1913 issue of the Chicago Daily Tribune contained an article where Wilmette residents wanted to find out what realtor(s) were selling homes to “Negroes” and how to stop the process:

“Wilmette Takes Trail of Negroes: Village Residents Call Meeting Saturday Night To Discuss ‘Invasion’ ”.¹

Local community members who challenged Evanston’s growing support of Jim Crow led to the formation of an early chapter of the NAACP c1919. Later, its city’s first Black alderman, Edwin B. Jourdain Jr., questioned housing policies and made headlines in the Chicago Defender:

Hat-in-hand Group in Evanston Would Bar Race
“A step to bar any more Race people from Evanston was temporarily blocked Sunday Afternoon, after Citizens, at an interracial meeting had been asked to adopt a resolution to stop more members of their race from making Evanston their home.”²

In 1959, a developer tried to build an integrated housing subdivision project in Deerfield but it was met with heated resistance, forcing the developer to abandon the project. It would take another ten-plus years before Deerfield would see its first Black resident.

Real estate protest march in Downtown Evanston

During the 1960s, organized marches protesting the unfair housing restrictions and redlining had gained momentum. Church groups and organizations, local and metro areas, converged into Evanston and marched through the downtown area, often stopping infant of real estate offices with signs and chants.

Dr. King spent the night in the basement

The struggle reached its heights during the 1960s—the decade of significant changes throughout the United States relating to race relations. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s work brought him to the North Shore on four occasions. His visits, sermons and marches birthed new organizations, and movements challenging discriminatory housing in the suburban communities north of Chicago.

Dr. King at the Orrington Hotel, October 1962

Dr. Kings first visit was by the invitation from Beth Emet the Free Synagogue in Evanston, January 13, 1958. His recorded speech was on integration and, ironically, Dr. King spent the night in the basement of the synagogue because “nearby hotels would not allow Negro guests”.

During 1961, the North Shore Summer Project is born of the efforts community members in Wilmette, Illinois with the goal of challenging owners who refuse housing to Jews and African Americans to open up. The movement grew to include more than 40 religious, civic and human relations organizations.

Dr. King’s second and third visit was in October 1962 and again in 1963, speaking on integration at the Unitarian Church and a press conference at the then Orrington Hotel. His 1963 visit was at the First United Methodist Church.

On July 25, 1965, the North Shore Summer Project held a major rally attracting close to 10,000 people on the Winnetka Village Green. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was the keynote speaker where he pushed for equal housing on the North Shore. The rally also had detractors including those representing Nazi ideologies urging whites to resist opening housing up to “Negroes”.

Dr. King and Alice Tregay

There were many local members who had interacted with and worked under Dr. King during his visits. Evanston Resident Bill Logan and the late Louis Mosely were tasked to be Dr. King’s bodyguard. Alice Tregay and Bennett Johnson worked in various committees that involved interaction with Dr. King.

Mr. Logan, who later became Evanston’s first Black Police Chief during the 1980s remembers words from Dr. King while working with him. “Go and get your degrees…”

Evanston Passed a fair housing ordinance that became effective January 1, 1968 that affected real estate brokers. Even with the new ordinance, housing discrimination continued for years after.

On Dr. King’s death, the North Shore mourned with the rest of the country and held memorials honoring his legacy. One such memorial was held in April of 1968 in Evanston’s Raymond Park. Local leader Helen Cromer Cooper and the Rev. F.W. McEwen of Tabernacle Baptist Church were among several speakers. In Evanston, That year, Foster School’s lab experiment was renamed to honor Dr. King.

The impact of Dr. King’s work is honored today throughout the North Shore, known in the area as “a day of service”, and is filled with lectures, performances and other activities. Remember, and act.

Sources:
1. Chicago Daily Tribune, August 7, 1913
2. Chicago Defender, February 13, 1935, page 13

Photographs: Photos of Dr. King are from the Shorefront photographic archives ©Evanston Photographic Studio. Photo of marchers, ©Charles Johnson and Photo of Dr. King and Alice Tregay courtesy of Alice Tregay both in the Shorefront photographic archives.

The Chessmen Club of the North Shore

— By Shorefront staff

2013 Chessmen members

An organization of service, like others before and after, came to life from the concerns of two community members, Andrew (Andy) Rodez and William (Bill) Logan, Jr. These two high school friends who shared similar lifelong experience, and later both followed their carrers as police officers, established The Chessmen Club of the North Shore in 1958. In 2008, The Chessmen celebrated their 50^th anniversary and Logan, to this day, is still an active member.

To say that both Rodez and Logan had similar backgrounds would not be a stretch in truth. They both have shared many of the same firsts: Both Logan and Rodez were the first African American Police Chief in their respective communities, Logan in Evanston, Rodez in Benton Harbor, Michigan.

Founder, Andy Rodez

Rodez attended Evanston Township High School and played on the football and track teams. He received a football scholarship and attended Virginia Union. After graduation, Rodez served two years in the Army during the Korean War. After his tour of duty, he returned and played professional football for the now defunct Chicago Cardinals for two years. He later joined the Evanston Police Department.

We wanted to be role models

Founder, William Logan

Logan also attended ETHS and played football and basketball. He received a football scholarship and attended Western Illinois University. After two years, he was drafted into the U.S. Air Force where he served in Korea and Japan for four years. After his tour, he also joined the Evanston Police Department.

In 1957, the Evanston Police Department teamed both Rodez and Logan to patrol the Historic Black community in Evanston. It was during this time that they began to think about ways to engage and provide services to the community.

“Why did we start the Chessmen?” Logan said. “We saw community problems for our Black youth. Blacks could not join the YMCA on Grove Street, there were difficulties for Black youth to receive grants and scholarships. We wanted to be role models.”

They wanted to provide services like other organizations have in the past and present. “Like the Norshore Twelve did for many years” Logan said. As a result, both Rodez and Logan started The Chessmen of Evanston, committing themselves to their community and to giving back to others to improve their lives.

Rodez was an avid chess player. The name of the Chessmen and its symbol, the “Knight,” stems from the game of chess and for Rodez, it represented dignity, power and strength.

Looking forward to fulfilling some of the needs of the community, they pursuaded some close friends and other African American men to join or support the organization. These men were coaches, scout masters, tutors and counselors; in addition to being full-time entrepreneurs, corporate executives, law enforcements officers, consultants, teachers, administrators and physicians. With similar ideas, these first members came together to address the many community issues, especially for Black youth.

The charter members were: Andrew Rodez and William Logan, Jr. (founders), Edward Connally, Woodrow Cannon, Zeltee Edwards, Warren Howlett, Julius Mackey, Adolph Moragne, Emmett King, David Norris, Dr. Charles Thomas, Henry White, Robert White.

95% of  funds raised go toward scholarships and food baskets

With committed and community minded men in place, the Chessmen Club was established in 1958, ready to provide service to the Evanston and North Shore communities. Throughout the last five decades, the Chessmen Club has grown and matured. The mission of the club has remained the same – service to youth and elderly of the community. Their activities have ranged from raising monies supporting local youth groups, to providing scholarships and related financial support to deserving college bound youth, presenting civic awards to outstanding citizens and donating food baskets to the poor and elderly.

1968 Scholars

The Chessmen Annual Civic Award Ball was inaugurated in 1958. Through this event, the organization has been able to increase their funding pool with ticket sales, auctions and private donations. Additional financial support is obtained from corporate donations, golf outings and support from membership. Ninety-five percent of the funds raised go toward scholarships and food baskets.

2003 Scholars

In 1980, The Chessmen replaced the Civic Award Ball with the Annual Scholarship and Community Services Benefit. “The annual gala was initiated to give recognition and honor to individuals and organizations that we felt had contributed most towards the betterment of our community,” Logan said. “This includes adults and youth for their extraordinary contributions to the community.” In 2000 the scholarship dinner for recipients and parents was incorporated into the already existing community wide Unity Scholarship program.

The Chessmen awards are both a symbol of good citizenship and inspiration for raising consciousness and community giving now, and for the future. “It is held as an honor by community members who have given their time, money and dedication for the welfare and pride of Evanston.” Logan said, “This is what the Chessmen are all about!”

After more than 50 years of service, the Chessmen Club has had more than 80 members representing the organization. Today, new and younger members are becoming more involved in the Chessmen.

“I know that today, Andy Rodez is looking down and smiling for the Chessmen Club is carrying on his dream of commitment, dedication and giving back to the North Shore Communities,” Logan said.

Note: This revised article  originaly appeard in the printed Shorefront Journal, Volume 8, Number 4, 2008.

Sources: Notes, photographs and discussions with William Logan, Jr., with additional sources in the Shorefront archives. 2013 group photo members: President: Keith Terry, Vice President: Hon. Peter C. Braithwaite, Secretary: Ngozi Watts, Esq., Treasurer: Leonard English, Asst. Treasurer: Jim Davis, Founder & President Emeritus: William “Bill” Logan, Members: Rev. Dr. Gessel Berry, Adrian O. Brewington, Dudley Brown, Jr., Omar A. Brown, George Dotson, Neil Davidson, Harvey L. Echols, M.D., Carl Hampton, Darryl R. Henderson, Rodney A. Harvey, Fred Hunter, Marty Long, Jabari Porter, Robert “Bob” Reece, Hon. Scott Rochelle, Esq., Markham W. Thomas, Andre Wallace, Sr.

Fellowship of Afro-American Men: Inspiring the Young

Three charter members of FAAM, Gene Bell, Henry White, Jr. and William Logan

—By Dino Robinson

A few good men were all it took to organize, inspire and mentor more than 4,000 youth on the north shore. Ten men got together in 1967 and formed the Fellowship of Afro-American Men (FAAM) to provide a needed outlet for youth in the community when the educational system cut extracurricular activities.

During the late 1960s, and in the midst of civil rights, war and social changes, Evanston was taking steps changing with the times. Some included decisions affecting local youths. The Emerson Street YMCA (a segregated branch) closed its facilities and School District 65 reduced its after-school organized sports programs. Evanston’s African American population in 1970 reached nearly 13,000.

The school budget cuts affected 6th, 7th and 8th grades youths leaving a void for after-school organized sports. Knowing the need for similar activities, a new organization formed around that need and FAAM was born.

“The schools cut back on the after school programs.” Bill Logan said. “There was no more basketball and football, there was nothing going on there.”

Early FAAM team practice at Mason Park, c.1972. Photo courtesy of Henry White

In 1967, Andrew Rodez, Howie Barksdale, Ray Sanders, Bill Logan, Henry White, Gene Bell and four other men formed the Fellowship of Afro-American Men, or FAAM. At its founding, the FAAM summer basketball program began, followed by a league of four teams consisting of all boys during the winter of 1968. In the following years, the teams expanded to eight by 1974.

Today, there are a total of 22 teams consisting of 14 male teams and 8 female teams. In addition, there are also two cheerleading squads. This equates to serving about 350 to 400 youths per season.

The impact FAAM has had in the community enabled them to garner local support. More than 70 volunteers and administrators assist yearly. “The season usually begins with the recruitment of students.” Gene said. “The board and volunteers meet once a month to go over scheduling, placement, and other business items.” Rick Marsh, formerly of the 1977 NBA team, the Golden State Warriors, was one of the volunteer coaches for many years.

Original Logo

New Logo

Since FAAM’s inception, they have been motivated by “Harambee”, an African Swahilli word meaning “let us pull together”.

“We wanted to provide an athletic outlet, but we put education first.” Bill said. “If a student needed help in school, we would arrange for tutors, mentorship, whatever was needed for the student.”

Since 1995, FAMM initiated a learning center for participants and has become more of a requirement to attend two days a week if their grades deem it necessary. Participants must improve their grades and make the effort to do so. If not, then they are held from games.

Every year, FAAM generates its operational revenue through its annual tiered registration fees from participants throughout the North Shore. They supplement the revenue with an annual pancake breakfast and other contributions and grants. Throughout its decades of operation, FAAM has grown with the times.

“When we started, our focus was to mentor and provide programming for young Black males”. Bill said. “Over time, people from surrounding communities were sending their kids to us of all nationalities including girls.”

FAAM is still facing the tides of change. “Those of us who are left – the founding members are still involved,” Gene Said. “In order for it to keep on, new people need to come in and run things.” Of the founding members, Gene and Bill are still with FAAM. Gene holds the position of Commissioner Emeritus and Bill is Vice-President Emeritus as well as coach for 15 years.

When we started, our focus was to mentor and provide programming for young Black males

Looking ahead, the board is looking at establishing a “directors” position, looking into new funding sources and generating additional revenue for general operations. Space is also a concern. At one time the building of their own facility was entertained. Instead, FAAM continues to partner with existing facilities in District 65, 202 and City Parks and Recreation.

“Today our growth is constrained by physical space and time.” Dudley Brown said, former President of FAAM. “We need 48 spots in order for all of the teams to practice twice a week. Sometimes, we have to double up on courts. On game day we occupy three different facilities every Saturday between October and December. On top of that, we are always in need of new committed volunteers in all capacities.”

The Fleetwood-Jourdain Community center is the surrogate home base as most games are played there. The annual pancake breakfast, the awards night and monthly meetings are also at the center. “They have been extremely generous and supportive of FAAM,” Bill and Gene said in unison.

At the end of the season, teams come together at the annual awards banquet where team champions are awarded with trophies, academic achievements, essay awards, a scholarship program and other recognition. Nine awards categories are named after prominent people who had made significant impact in the community and with FAAM. Two scholarships are awarded to ETHS graduates who have been with FAAM for three years. The FAAM basketball season runs from September thru March. However, planning and organizing is an all-year activity.

To FAAM’s credit, they have been an influence to hundreds of youth. Some notables who went on to professional sports include Cecil Martin with the Philadelphia Eagles, Everette Stephens with Indiana Pacers and others in college leagues. “I was involved in FAAM when I was young.” Tony Stephens said. “In a way, they influenced me to start the NorthShore Basketball Camp. FAAM is a valuable asset to the community.”

Fellowship of Afro-American Men celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2008. The city of Evanston honored the organization with FAAM’s logo on the city’s vehicle sticker for that year.

What has began as an urgent grass-roots organization addressing the extra-curricular activities of Black youth, has turned into a multi-cultural educational, mentorship and sportsmanship organization serving 350 to 400 youth annually.

Sources:  The article first appeared in the printed version of Shorefront Journal, Vol. 8, No. 2, Spring 2007. Information for the article were gathered from the following sources: FAAM souvenir books; A general historical account of the organization written by FAAM members; Historic photograph provided by Henry White, Jr.; Shorefront audio oral history taped interview with charter members William Logan and Gene Bell on August 29, 2006 at the home of Gene Bell.