shorefront special issue

Cover Photo: Shorefront Archives.Above: Founding board, 2002; Sixth Annual Older Boys Conference at EmersonYMCA, 1934; Lecture at the Evanston History Center, 2007; Mother’s Day at theEmerson Street YMCA, c1940; Legacy Keepers program, 2004. Shorefront Archives.Page 3 Photo: Courtesy of Joeff Davis, May 2003.

2 www.shorefrontlegacy.org

Vol. 9, No. 0 • 2009 • www.shorefrontlegacy.org

Contents Copyright ©2009 SHOREFRONT ISSN #1534-3847. Printed quarterlyin the USA. Cover and contents may not be reproduced in whole or inpart without prior written permission. SHOREFRONT is not responsible formisleading advertisements. Advertisers appear as a benefit ofmembership to SHOREFRONT. For membership information, see back insidecover. Contributed articles reflect the writers’ opinions and notnecessarily that of SHOREFRONT. The name and logo, SHOREFRONT, is trademarked #084415. SHOREFRONT assumes no responsibility for unsolicitedmanuscripts and photographs. Manuscripts cannot be returned.Address all correspondence to SHOREFRONT, P.O. Box 1894, Evanston, IL60204-1894. Change of address must be made in writing.

Mission:

SHOREFRONT collects, preserves, andeducates the public about Blackhistory on Chicago’s north shore.

SHOREFRONTis a 501(c)(3) nonprofit historical organization

Board:

Eric BasirMira CharmichaelKaren ChaversShawna Cooper-GibsonH. F. (Kris) GravesWilliam JacksonSteve Lemieux-JordanGenie Lemieux-JordanRose JourdainHerman (Chip) RatliffClaudette RobinsonMargo RobinsonMary A. Trujillo, Ph.D.

Volunteer Staff:

Dino Robinson, Founder

Debi Chess Mabie, Program Manager

Joi-Anissa Russell, Development

Journal Committee:

Eric Basir, Photo RetoucherCarrie Moea Brown, ProofreaderAnne Gendler, EditorRose Jourdain, ProofreaderDino Robinson, Designer

Design: Robinson Design ~ 847.475.5321 Printing: Sir Speedy ~ 847.866.9520 Photo Retouching: Photo Grafix ~ 847.673.7043

SPECIAL ISSUEShorefront History / 4

Shorefront Collects / 7

Shorefront Preserves / 9

Shorefront Educates / 11

Partnerships and Collaboration / 17

Contributors to the Journal / 19

Shorefront Exhibits / 20

Major Grant Supporters (1997~ )

Allegra “FootPrint” FundChicago Tribune FoundationEvanston Community Development Block GrantEvanston Community Foundation root2fruit programThe Evanston Arts Council, a city agency, suported by the City of

Evanston and the Illinois Arts Council, a state agencyHarris Bank EvanstonEvanston RoundTableIllinois Humanities CouncilThe Links Incorporated, North Shore ChapterThe Mammel FoundationQuaker Oats FoundationThe Robinson Family FoundationRobi Fund of the Chicago Community TrustSappi “Ideas That Matter”YAHOO!

Shorefront • Special Issue, 2009 3

Pride comes from understanding,

knowing, and embracing our history. We

find our personal place in history by

taking an active part in our community—

learning from elders, partnering with

contemporaries, and leaving examples for

others to follow.

SHOREFRONT is a resource for anyone

interested in exploring subject-specific

history, their place in this history,

and lives similar to or different from

their own. Guided by our mission,

SHOREFRONT enriches the lives of people

locally, nationally . . . and globally.

SHOREFRONT Founder, Morris (Dino) Robinson

Founder Morris (Dino) Robinson grew up in

the Chicago metro area surrounded by extended

family to whom a strong foundation in education

and pride in family history were important. In

addition, he names three pivotal events

important to the formation of what became

known as SHOREFRONT: “As a child, my grandmotherin South Carolina told me stories about family

members as we paged through the fourteen

photo albums she has carefully put together,”

Dino says. “My freshman year history teacher [in

high school] saw my interest in history and

placed me in history honors. And in 1995, I met

the editor of the Clarion newspaper who insisted

that I write articles about local history.”

Early research led to a series of articles, small

exhibits, and conversations with community

members, resulting in the rediscovery of a local

African American history dating back more than

a hundred and fifty years. Prior to this effort, no

written documentation of depth had been produced,

researched, or thoroughly archived for public use.

In response to the lack of documentation,

SHOREFRONT was first introduced to the public in1999 in the form of an informal quarterly

newsletter and several small exhibits. In response

to positive feedback and a need for this subject-

specific information, SHOREFRONT established itself asa nonprofit on June 6, 2002, and installed its first,

sixteen-member board of directors. Diverse in age,

gender, and racial make-up, the board reflected its

primary audience—the African American

community. The first board members consisted of

those who had been involved and supportive of

the earlier research efforts since 1996.

The founding board members were: Eric Basir,

Karen Chavers, Robert Corbett, Miriam Guthrie,

Rodney Harvey, Andres Hernandez, Meyako


SHOREFRONT History

Interest, curiosity, a challenge, and a need were the motivations behind the

formation of SHOREFRONT. Though several individuals and groups in the past had

explored the history of the local Black community, these efforts were not

consistent until SHOREFRONT ’s grassroots beginnings in 1995.

July 1995 – Dino Robinson isapproached by Tony Kelly, editorof the Evanston Clarion, to write anewspaper article on local Blackhistory. Dino accepts the offer towrite with the stipulation ofwriting multiple articles.

June 1989 – Dino Robinsongraduates from LoyolaUniversity of Chicago.

1995 1996October 1995 – Dino beginsresearch and spends nearly everySaturday at the Evanston HistoricalSociety, combing through itsarchives for almost two years.

January 19, 1996 – The first“Evanston Black History” articleappears in the Evanston Clarion.

1996 – Dino begins to form relationshipswith community members, businesses, and organizations that can provide valuableinformation on local Black history.

November 1996 –Dino begins workon his first book.

June 1996 – Dino joinsP.I.T.C.H., an initiativesurveying a possiblehistoric district honoringthe Black community.

1989


Hughes, William Jackson, Genie and Steve

Lemieux-Jordan, Dino and Claudette Robinson,

Margo and Morris Robinson, Warren Robinson,

and Kenneth Whitney.

SHOREFRONT ’s three themes evolved to focus oncollections, preservation, and education. The

newsletter became the popular SHOREFRONT Journal;small exhibits grew to become annual thematic

traveling exhibitions; organized lectures were

commissioned; and three publications were

released. The board of directors and volunteers

pursued partnerships with schools, clubs, and

similar historical groups in the Chicago

metropolitan area as well as communities in

Florida and Nebraska. The journal is now in the

permanent collections of the University of

Wisconsin–Madison, the Library of Congress,

and many libraries and historical organizations.

Since 2002, SHOREFRONT has been a publicly

funded and membership-based nonprofit historical

organization. Over the years, it has grown to be

regarded as a well-respected organization

dedicated to the preservation of historic Black

contributions within the Chicago suburban North

Shore communities. SHOREFRONT is the only activeIllinois nonprofit entity in the northern suburban

communities that provides an outlet for the

study, research, and preservation of local Black

history. SHOREFRONT’s primary focus area coversapproximately twenty-five miles north along Lake

Michigan’s lakefront, encompassing seven suburbs:

Evanston, Wilmette, Kenilworth, Winnetka, Glencoe,

Highland Park, and Lake Forest.

Vision Statement:

SHOREFRONT strives to make localBlack history common knowledge.

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1997

November 22, 1996 –The last of fifteenarticles appears in theEvanston Clarion.

February 1997 – Dino installs a firstexhibit at First National Bank (nowChase) and a second exhibit at theNoyes Cultural Center, both in Evanston.

February 1997 – Dino applies for a grant fromthe Evanston Cultural Fund for the productionof an oral history CD and accompanying book.In May, he is awarded the individual grant of$7,500 at a city council meeting.

February 1997 – Dino’s firstbook, A Place We Can Call Our

Home, is self-published, printedwith funds contributed by

community members. A receptionhonors the contributors.

1997 – Dino beginslecturing on localBlack history.

1997 – A set of advisorsis developed and routinelyconsulted on varioussubjects. Many laterbecome board members.

1997 – Evanston SchoolDistricts 65 and 202 makemajor purchases of A PlaceWe Can Call Our Home.

June 1997 – Dino iselected to the Board ofTrustees at the EvanstonHistorical Society.

SHOREFRONT foundingboard members andfamily at first meeting


SHOREFRONT Collects

SHOREFRONT maintains a growing archive of tangible objects and information

relating to the North Shore Black communities. These items were donated by

local residents of all ages.

As an active collector, SHOREFRONT recognizes theneed to identify and, if possible, acquire items

important to Black people living on the North Shore.

A range of items are sought, including invitations,

photographs, business collateral, biographies,

signage, news clippings, awards, and other items

that illustrate important accomplishments,

lifestyles, and events within the community.

During our years of continuous collecting,

SHOREFRONT has amassed interesting contemporaryitems as well as several that date back more than

a hundred years. The collection includes ad books

from churches and civic organizations, obituaries,

clothing, original periodicals, and photographs

that feature some of the earliest Black residents

in the area.

Additional artifacts include several of national

importance. Among the carefully preserved items

are 1850s booklets related to slavery and a letter

from W. E. B. Du Bois to Evanston’s first Black

alderman (1930s). SHOREFRONT ’s collection isavailable and open to the public for viewing and

research initiatives.

Norshore 12 sweater and membershipcard; Garnett Post uniform of memberHorace Graves; PTA booklet.

1998

1998 – Dino begins work on anewsletter idea. Researchcontinues and archives begin toaccumulate: photographs,audiotapes, and news clippings.

March 1998 – P.I.T.C.H. presentsfindings related to a historic districtin Evanston honoring the Blackcommunity to city preservationand council members.

September 5, 1997 – Dinobegins publishing a new seriesof oral histories in the EvanstonClarion. However, the paperceases publication in November.

June 1998 – Through theEyes of Us is publishedwith funds from theEvanston Cultural Fundgrant. Dino forms aninformal researchorganization under thesame name.


SHOREFRONT Preserves

Related to its collection efforts, SHOREFRONTundertakes great care to preserve its holdings.

Artifacts are stored in acid-free boxes and folders

in a climate-controlled environment. Photographs

are processed and digitally archived for future use

to support research and exhibition projects.

Frequently, artifacts are collected and assembled in

a manner that helps underscore their importance

within the North Shore area. Items are cataloged

and shared with surrounding educational

institutions and historical organizations.

When the opportunity arises, SHOREFRONT offerspractical preservation guidance for families

interested in maintaining their personal artifacts.

However, in keeping with its mission, SHOREFRONTalso welcomes family artifacts as gifts to be

incorporated into the archives for public use in

historic documentation. In either case, our

preservation and documentation efforts enable

the public access to subject-specific items for

various research projects.

Preserving each issue of the journal is of

extreme importance. Preservation ensures that

the journal and its contents will be accessible for

generations. Issues are sent to surrounding libraries,

universities, and historical societies, where they are

incorporated into their respective archives. Select

issues are available on SHOREFRONT ’s website.

In 1995, SHOREFRONT kept one file folder full of various clippings. Today, SHOREFRONT’s

collection constitutes more than forty cubic feet.

1999

November 1998 – A firstdraft of the newsletter iscomplete, though untitledand unpublished.

1998 – Exhibits introducing aspects of localBlack history are displayed at EvanstonTownship High School and at a Hecky’srestaurant at 1630 Simpson Street. TheHecky’s exhibit is later moved to its mainlocation on Emerson Street.

February 1999 –In partnership with the NoyesCultural Arts Center andINOMA, Dino helps curate anddesigns an exhibit at the Centeron African American architects.


Legacy Keepers

participants involved

in a sorting exercise


SHOREFRONT Educates

SHOREFRONT Journal First published in 1999, the

quarterly journal is open to a range of contributing

writers, including SHOREFRONT staff, students, academicresearchers, and community members. To date,

more than thirty guest writers have contributed to

the journal. Petina Dixon, at the time a student at

Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism,

was SHOREFRONT ’s first contributing writer. Manycontributors have continued in the field of journalism.

Exhibits/Lectures SHOREFRONT produces annualtraveling exhibits focused on specific aspects of

the local Black communities. Exhibits have been

displayed in public venues throughout the Chicago

suburban North Shore area. Exhibit openings

often involve an introductory presentation and

classroom lectures. Additional lectures have been

presented at local schools, universities, churches,

libraries, and community groups.

Youth Programs The “Legacy Keepers”

program introduces students between the ages of

10 and 14 to oral history, photo documentation,

and aspects of research, writing, and archiving

personal and community history. To date,

SHOREFRONT has assisted more than fifty studentsand exhibited their work to the general public.

Oral Histories and Documentation SHOREFRONTactively records oral histories from long-time and

generational residents of the area. Over the

years, over one hundred hours of audiotape have

been captured and are available to the public for

local research initiatives.

Research Assistance Throughout the years,

SHOREFRONT ’s archives have proved to be a valuableresource for students, researchers, authors and

playwrights, Ph.D. candidates, and independent

filmmakers.

Outreach Ever mindful of making

information accessible, SHOREFRONT providesartwork and information packaged as the “Did

You Know?” series to local newspapers. New

entries are developed quarterly and are available

on-line. Additional resources include podcasts,

slideshows, and maps of historical sites, most of

which are available online: shorefrontlegacy.org.

SHOREFRONT believes that it is imperative that we share the information gathered

and archived with the community. Various projects, exhibits, and publications

are designed to educate and share our resources.

2001

February 2001 –“Juke Review,” an

exhibit on themusic of local

African Americanartists, is displayed

at the EvanstonPublic Library.

2001 –Work begins toincorporate“Through theEyes of Us” as anonprofit. Thename is changedto SHOREFRONT.

June 2000 – The organization“Through the Eyes of Us” wins asecond grant from the EvanstonCultural Fund for a music exhibithonoring local Black musicians.

2000

March 1999 – The newsletter isresurrected, shown to advisors,and named. The first issue of theSHOREFRONT Journal is printed anddistributed at the EvanstonFarmers’ Market in July.


2002 2003

February 2002 – SHOREFRONT receives an awardfrom the Evanston Community DevelopmentBlock Grant (CDBG), the first of three to beawarded in the following six years.

June 6, 2002 –SHOREFRONT is recognized as anonprofit historical organization,and its first board is officiallyinstalled on June 23.

SHOREFRONTMay 30, 2003 –SHOREFRONT and its founder,Dino Robinson, are featuredin the Chicago Reader.

June 2003 – The Illinois Humanities Councilcontacts SHOREFRONT to take on a grant-

supported historical project in Pembroke,Illinois. A teen–led history documentation

project is initiated in Pembroke.

July 2003 – SHOREFRONT’s firstwebsite is launched –

shorefrontj.net

June 2002 –SHOREFRONT connects and forms a relationshipwith Norma Taylor who produces the EvanstonConnection newsletter out of California.

June 2002 –Dino is elected president ofthe Evanston HistoricalSociety’s Board of Trustees.

February 10, 2002 – The exhibit “Music for theSoul”, an expanded rework of the “Juke Review”exhibit, opens at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center. Itincludes samples of music spanning fifty years.

September 2001 –SHOREFRONT partnerswith the WilmetteHistorical Society toproduce the first ofseveral panels onlocal Black history.

May 2002 –SHOREFRONT partnerswith the LakeForest/Lake BluffHistorical Society toproduce a panel onlocal Black history.


2004

June 2004 –Dino Robinson’s graphic design business isawarded the Sappi “Ideas That Matter” grantto produce Gatherings, a book celebrating thehistory of the Emerson Street YMCA.

September 2004 –After fourteen months, the Pembroke historyproject ends. The monthly visits resulted in anphotographic exhibit and the initiation of aoral history program. This project was thepredecessor to SHOREFRONT’s “Legacy Project.”

August 2004 –The first program of the Legacy Project,supported in part by the Illinois HumanitiesCouncil, involves junior high school studentsknown as the Legacy Keepers.

May 2004 –SHOREFRONT is awarded a third grant from the CulturalFund, with additional support from the McGaw YMCA,to produce “Our Place,” an exhibit on the activities ofthe Emerson Street YMCA.

February 2004 – The traveling exhibit “Northof Chicago,” including educational panels onEvanston, Wilmette, and Lake Forest, is installedat the Evanston Public Library.

December 11, 2004 – The first Legacy Fair,at which Legacy Keepers exhibit anddocument oral histories, is held at the FamilyFocus building in Evanston.

March 11, 2004 – The first “Building a Legacy”fundraiser is held at Phillips Gallery in Evanston.


Emerson Street YMCA

Exhibit at the Evanston

McGaw YMCA – 2005


Foster School Exhibit at

the former Foster School

building – 2007


Peter Schreyer of Winter Park,

Florida, Debi Chess Mabie, and

Dino Robinson at fundraiser


SHOREFRONT Partnerships and Collaboration

Local initiatives in which SHOREFRONT plays arole include the Women’s History Project, the

Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Theater, Family

Focus Our Place/Evanston, and the ReelTime

independent film series. Schools, universities,

and libraries are a source of ongoing partnerships.

Outside the immediate target area, SHOREFRONT hasformed relationships with similar initiatives in

Palmdale, California; Omaha, Nebraska; and

Winter Park, Florida; as well as in Oak Park,

Illinois; Robins, Illinois; and Chicago’s Bronzeville

neighborhood.

SHOREFRONT is a member of the Illinois Associationof Museums and a participant in the North Shore

Historical Consortium.

Partnerships/collaborations/consulting

• Consulted in the formation and structure of Omaha,Nebraska’s historical organization “Dreamland,”patterned after SHOREFRONT

• Advised the Heritage Center in Winter Park, Florida, on the conception and creation of their permanentexhibit panels

• Consulted and gave direction to a historic initiative inthe publication of the book Suburban Promised Land, ahistory of African Americans in Oak Park, Illinois

• Partnered in the three-year Evanston Women’s HistoryProject, with research assistance on the contributionsof historic and contemporary African Americanwomen in the area

• Assisted students and professional researchers inresearch initiatives for educational or personal use

• Conducted lectures and moderated panels regardingthe local African American community at more thantwenty churches, thirty elementary schools, three highschools, three universities and colleges, three libraries,five historical organizations, and more than fifteencommunity organizations

• Consulted with local city officials and communityorganization on historic facts when needed throughbus and personal tours, providing documentation orexplanations on topic-specific history, and advocacy on historic landmarks

SHOREFRONT has formed relationships, partnerships, and project collaborations

with various organizations throughout Chicago’s suburban North Shore.

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Dino Robinson assistinglibrarian in Pembroke, Illinois

2005

2005 –SHOREFRONT connects with Sibyl Meyerof Omaha, Nebraska, to helpstructure her organization and toproduce Dreamland Journal,patterned after SHOREFRONT Journal.

February 24, 2005 – The second “Building aLegacy” fundraiser isheld at the Lake ForestHistorical Society.

February 2005 –SHOREFRONT is awarded a grant from the NorthShore chapter of The Links, Inc., an AfricanAmerican women’s professional organization.

May 24, 2005 –The Emerson Street YMCA exhibit “OurPlace” opens at the McGaw YMCA to anaudience of seventy–five.


“Your publication is an importantvoice that needs to be heard in the

North Shore communities.– Lonnie G. Bunch, former president,

Chicago History Center


SHOREFRONT Contributors to the Journal

Main articles (20 entries)Carrie Brown - Student at Northwestern UniversityKaren Chavers - Community organizerPetina Dixon - Student at Northwestern UniversityLila Frazier - Contributing writer from CaliforniaPriscilla Giles - EducatorChuck Harrison - Retired industrial designer at Sears.First African American to hold the position.

Doria Johnson - Ph.D. candidate at the University ofWisconsin-Madison and founder of the AnthonyCrawford Remembered Foundation

Rose Jourdain - Published author and daughter ofEvanston’s first Black alderman

Carol Lems-Dworkin - Pianist and local historian Annette Logan - Realtor and freelance writerKim Mould - Ph.D. candidate at Rollins College, FloridaSherman Noble, Ph.D. - Author of “The Rise and Fall ofPolitical Power,” a Northwestern Universitydissertation on the political life of Edwin B. JourdainJr., Evanston’s first Black alderman

Dino Robinson - Founder of SHOREFRONTNicola Summers - Contributing writerJeoff Trimmingham - Graphic designerKeith Williams - Graphic designerEsther Williams Hayes - Artist and arts educator

Secondary Articles (11 entries)African American Reunion Committee - ContributorsAlice Bethel - Contributing writerLinda Colier - RealtorBeverly Curry - RealtorSharon Davis - Student at Northwestern UniversityTavia Evans - Student at Northwestern University

Tsehaye Hebert - Playwright, arts educatorKimberly Jackson - Freelance writerGilo Logan - Educator, founder of S.O.U.L. CreationsHerman Ratliff - Contributing writer

Special Features (15 entries)Eric Basir - Digital photographic retoucherEvanston African American Research GroupMorris Robinson Sr. - Economic development planner

Poetry/Short Stories (13 entries)Julia Ford Carther - Contributing writerEsther Williams Hays - Artist and arts educatorChad Heslup - Poet, musicianPaul Jackson - Dewey SchoolSteve Lemieux-Jordan - Photographer and freelance writerLia P. Martin - Screen writerM. Frank Miles - Retired teacher, historianRalph G. Moore - Contributing writerLucia Norris - Community organizerDaphnie Nwankpa - Freelance writerJerusalem Singleton - Poet, student at E.T.H.S.Barbara Steele - ArtistStephanie Walker - Dewey School

Artwork/Photography (7 entries)Richard Foreman - PhotographerTerrence Haymer - IllustratorEsther Williams Hays - Mixed-media artistGenie Lemieux - PhotographerDebi Chess Mabie - PhotographerBarbara Steele - Mixed-media artist

Since 1999, SHOREFRONT Journal has accepted articles, stories, and related work

for publication. Many contributing writers had multiple submission throughout

the years. Below is a listing of contributors and what they were involved in at

the time of submission.

2006 2007

January 2006 –SHOREFRONT is awarded a three–yeargrant from the Evanston CommunityFoundation root2fruit program.

September 2007 – SHOREFRONT holds aboard/community retreatat Northwestern University.Participants revise themission and visionstatements and establish athree-year plan.

January 2007 –SHOREFRONT is commissioned by the InterfaithHousing Center of the Northern Suburbs toproduce an exhibit on the history of equalhousing in the northern suburbs.

April 6, 2006 –The “Did You Know”series first appears in theEvanston Roundtable.

May 18, 2007 –An exhibit is held at Family Focus,Evanston (in the former Foster School),on the history of the building as asegregated school and its present use.


SHOREFRONT Exhibits

Through the Eyes of Us (1998)General exhibits on the Evanston African Americancommunity based on early research and publicationsfrom Dino Robinson. Installations included EvanstonTownship High School, local banks, the Noyes CulturalArts Center, and the Evanston Public Library.

Juke Review (1999)Exhibit on the contributions of local African Americanmusicians spanning a period of some sixty years, from1940 to the present. The exhibit was paid for in part bya grant from the Evanston Cultural Fund. The exhibitwas on display at the Evanston Public Library.

Architecture (1999)In partnership with the Noyes Cultural Arts Centerand the Illinois Chapter of the National Organizationof Minority Architects, the exhibit featured local andnational Black architects.

Music for the Soul (2001)(reformatted and updated from the Juke Review exhibit)An interactive exhibit showcasing the contributions oflocal African American musicians who performed orlived on the North Shore from 1940 to the present. Theexhibit included a “Juke Box” of sampled music fromeach era. The exhibit was paid for in part by a grantfrom the Evanston Cultural Fund. The exhibit was ondisplay at the Evanston Public Library, the NoyesCultural Arts Center, and Family Focus Our Place.

North of Chicago (2002)Exhibit panels featuring African American communitiesin Evanston, Wilmette, Glencoe, and Lake Forest.Portions of the exhibit were on display at the WilmetteHistorical Society, Wilmette School District, Lake ForestHistorical Society, Family Focus, and the EvanstonPublic Library. Partially supported by a grant from thecity’s Community Development Block Grant Fund.(CDBG) and in partnership with area historical societies.

Pembroke (2003)An exhibit that combined the work of five high schoolstudents and one professional photographer inproducing a series of panels capturing activities in arural community in Kankakee, Illinois. Supported by agrant from the Illinois Humanities Council and CDBG.

Legacy Keepers (2004-6)Traveling exhibit produced by twenty junior high schoolstudents as part of a SHOREFRONT workshop programentitled “The Legacy Project.” Partially supported by agrant from the Illinois Humanities Council and CDBG.

Emerson Street YMCA Exhibit (2006)Traveling kiosk exhibit on the historic segregated YMCAfacility in Evanston, Illinois. Partially supported by agrant from the Evanston Cultural Fund.

Annually, SHOREFRONT produces a traveling exhibit. Frequently, we have been in

partnership or assisted others with exhibits that utilized our archives and

knowledge.

2008

October 2007 – SHOREFRONTpartners with other localentities, including TheWomen’s History Project, todocument the contributionsof women in Evanston.

February 2008 –The exhibit “North of

Chicago” adds Glencoepanels and opens at theGlencoe Public Library.

March 2008 – SHOREFRONT is featured in a three-page article in the ChicagoTribune Magazine.


Milestones and Memories (2005)Partnered with the Evanston History Center andcontributed information for their permanent exhibit onthe history of Evanston and its people.

Legacy Collection (2005–)A traveling exhibit as part of the Legacy Project. Thecollection began after a Legacy Keepers workshopsession (three sessions in all) was opened to the public.Participants brought in a historic image, wereinterviewed about their piece of history, and acontemporary photograph was taken. The threeelements (old photo, interview transcript, andcontemporary photograph) were then assembledtogether into one framed piece for exhibition.

History of Foster School (2007)Traveling kiosk exhibit on the history of the FosterSchool building and its racial change between 1905 and1945; its subsequent change to a magnet school in1969; its closing in 1979 and then ultimately serving asthe home for Family Focus Our Place, the largest socialservice agency serving Evanston’s West Side, providingcounseling to families in crisis. Partially supported by agrant from the Evanston Cultural Fund, Family Focus,and The North Shore Chapter, The Links, Inc.

History of Equal Housing in the NorthernSuburbs (2007)Traveling exhibit on the history of equal housing northof Chicago. The multi-panel exhibit traveled throughoutthe North Shore to various community centers andlibraries. In partnership with Interfaith Housing Centerof the Northern Suburbs and the U.S. Department ofHousing and Urban Development

The Evanston Women’s History Project (2007)A three-year collaborative effort to collect, document,and celebrate women who have made significantcontributions to Evanston history.

Charles Bouyer (2008)A framed single-panel display about Charles Bouyer. Hehas been credited by generations of local Blackresidents who grew up under his influence between1930 and 1960. Accepted as Evanston’s first Blackteacher in the public schools.

Portraits of a Community (2008–)An evolving and growing exhibition representing peopleof the African diaspora who have and had a history onthe suburban North Shore. The series of photographs,shot by three professional photographers, showcasespeople of African decent who have and will makechanges in everyone’s daily life– now and in the future.Partially supported by root2fruit.

2009January 2009 –SHOREFRONT rents space atFamily Focus, 2010 DeweyAvenue, for the beginning ofthe SHOREFRONT Legacy Center.

February 13, 2009 –SHOREFRONT is awarded the Evanston2008 “Mayor’s Award for the Arts”.

February 2009 –SHOREFRONT appears throughout the monthon Channel Seven as a thirty-second PSA.

November 20, 2008 – The “Portraits” exhibit opensat BooCoo Café in Evanston,featuring portraits of localAfrican American people.

November 22, 2008 – SHOREFRONT redesigns andlaunches its website undera new domain name-shorefrontlegacy.org

November 2008 – SHOREFRONT installs its largest

exhibit to date at Pearson ScottForesman in Glenview, Illinois.


SHOREFRONT Support

GRANTS AND AWARDS:Allegra FootPrint FundChicago Tribune FoundationEvanston Community

Development Block GrantEvanston Community Foundation

root2fruit programThe Evanston Arts Council, a city

agency, suported by the City ofEvanston and the Illinois ArtsCouncil, a state agency

Harris Bank EvanstonEvanston RoundTableIllinois Humanities CouncilThe Links Incorporated, North

Shore ChapterThe Mammel FoundationQuaker Oats FoundationThe Robinson Family FoundationRobi Fund of the Chicago

Community TrustSappi “Ideas That Matter”YAHOO!

MEMBERS, SUPPORTERS, AND IN-KIND DONORS:

Dee and Sam AdamsAfrican History and Culture ClubAfrocentric Gifts and AccentsDike and Rilee Ajiri Arthur AlbrightEdwin J. Anderson Michelle BaileyEthelyn J. BakerMorris and Lun Ye C. BarefieldElizabeth and Barry BarrettaEric C. M. BasirSteve and Janice BaskervilleJames E. and Marsha Avery

BelcherConstance and Gene BellKathy BergerPenelope BerletSteve J. BernsteinA.J. BethelCarlton BlackMaggie BlakeyIrene Blakey Crystal and Reginald BlountJudith BondStephanie BradleyPeter and Claudia BraithwaiteElisabeth BrasherBenjamin and Jeanna BridgesLarry BrooksCarrie Moea BrownNancy BrownElizabeth BrumfielAnna Mae BuchananCynthia BurkeJames BurtonCheryl and Ron ButlerMarcia ByrdsongLee Cabot and Luke

DiPasqualeCafé Sing EntertainmentCynthia A. CannonMirah CarmichaelAlvin CavinetteKaren Chavers Peggy J. ChenierCitizens to Re-elect Pat VanceIan ClarkJeanne R. ClevelandJudy and David Clovin

Marsha L. ColeLinda Collier Diane and Jesse CollinsShawna Cooper-GibsonDavid Covin Elizabeth A. CoxFred L. Crockett, MDWilliam E. Cross, Jr. Beverly D. CurryAnita DarrowDina DavisJames and Janet Alexander-DavisRonald E. DavisDavis Transportation, L.L.C.Debi Chess Mabie PhotographyJulie and Ted DowningAbraham G. Dunn, Jr. Anne O. EarleEvanston Branch NAACPEvanston Community

Foundation (ECF)Evanston History CenterEvanston Neighborhood

ConferenceEvanston Photographic StudioEvanston Public LibraryFamily Focus, EvanstonFinancial Resource Associates,

IncoroporatedHubert and Marsha FincherFirst Bank and TrustFrances Flowers James and Yvonne FogertyDavid FosterFrank B. FosterEleanor J. FrazierMabel FreemanBess Freeman Vicki Futrell Irene L. GarnettThomas H. GarnettLawrence and Mary GavinAnne GendlerGeneration CopyYendis L. Gibson-King, D.D.S.Bill and Carolyn DeSwarte

GiffordPriscilla GilesConstance H. GoddardJayne GogginsNancy GoodRosetta GradfordElida and Horace GravesChristopher GreeneJacqueline GrossmannBrenda GrovesImogene Guillbeaux-JonesLinda D. Gunter-Fair Miriam Guthrie Nancy B. HagstromPhyllis McAlister HamiltonState Representative Julie HamosAnita HargettEmma HarmonBrenda HarrisJoseph and Rosemarie HarrisBrenda HarrisChuck HarrisonCharlie HarrisonRodney Harvey Daisy E. HayesDr. Patricia HeastonKozetta HendersonHerman Adler DesignRobert HillSandra Hill

Historical Society of OakPark/River Forest

Delores A. HolmesBernice HolmesHarris and Roberta HudsonJohanne HudsonSonja HudsonPatricia HuntDonzeleigh HunterJeanne and Al HunterSamuel S. Hunter, Jr.Peyton and Betty HutchisonIbis Design Co.Rosalie IrisonMr. and Mrs. Irvine Latunja JacksonCharles and Mary Jackson William Jackson Harry P. Jackson, Jr.Jean-Baptiste and Raoul,

Attorneys At LawHarriet L. JohnsonRon JohnsonRose and Bob JohnsonSam JohnsonJames E. JohnsonMs. Louise Johnson Doria D. Johnson Christine L. JonesDeborah JonesRobert and Sharon JordanRose Jourdain Spencer Jourdain Dr. and Mrs. Alvin S. KeithTony KellyCynthia and Murray Kelly Cheryl R. KendrickRichard KennerGeorge KingJanice KleinNancy B. KohnSusan Van KollenburgHerbert LaffoonRachelle LafontantLake Forest-Lake Bluff

Historical SocietyLaser Star Print and MoreDon and Peg LeeNadine LeeJohn J. LeinweberSteve and Genie Lemieux-JordanCarol Lems-DworkinCynthia LernerJoe LevyLittle Lamb Day CareMarvin and Elaine LofquistWilliam and Marsha Logan, Jr.William H. Logan, Sr.René LoveGloria LoweLoyola/Northwestern Student

MoversSally LufkinThomas P. and Betty Nash

LuningRonald C. Kysiak and Diane C.

LupkeDebi Chess MabieMai-Tech Interactive and GraphicsCindy Clark MancillasSusan ManningMr. and Mrs. Louis MarionBeth MarksJon MarshallDenise and Joseph MartinBeverley C. Mason

Daniel MasonMrs. Linda M. MathisAurby MatthewsRon T. McAllisterPhyllis McAllister-HamiltonMary F. McAuleyLisa McDonald McGaw YMCAMae-Jeanne McGillDr. Everette and Rita McKissickTamara and Matt McKnightL.C. and Vivian McMillanFrank MilesGeorge and Patricia MitchellConstance Montgomery Ralph G. MooreEleanor J. MooreEb MoranMary F. MortenHon. Lorraine H. MortonMostly In PrintKim MouldAl and Mary MumbrueM.W.W. and Associates, Inc.Sibyl Myers Annie and Skip MyslenskiMr. and Mrs. Richard NixonNorth Shore Basketball CampNorth Suburban Printing, Inc.Northwestern University ArchivesNorthwestern University LibraryOBD Chicago/OsmosisKim Olsen-ClarkLori OsborneOutlaw, Gandy, Spencer FamilyTheresa PaccioneJustin PatersonNathalia PayneNicki and Greg PearsonDolores Massey Pedro Aurie PennickJean M. PerryDiane PerryJames PetwayJudith A. PfeiferMichael PhillipsPhoto GrafixFranci PinaDr. Randle and Mildred PollardWilliam B. Pollard Gwendolyn B. PooleEsther PringlePrint&More by LaserStarHarriet QuinnAndrew and Melody QuinnG. Benjamin RanneyJerane RansomHerman and Johanne RatliffRoberta L. Raymond Robert and Patricia ReeceEleanor and William RevelleS.L. Richards Lynn Richmond“Rip” RiedJulie and Gregg RileyHelen Roberts-EvansEmma RobinsonWarren RobinsonRobinson DesignRobinson RentalsMorris (Dino) and Claudette

Robinson, Jr.Morris and Margo Robinson, Sr.John and Marjorie RoseBonny and Bob RothMyrtle Rucker

Betty J. RuffinCharlotte M. Ruffin Joi Anissa RussellMarjorie Sanders Marian ScafidiU.S. Representative Jan

SchakowskyGail Schecter Mary M. SchmickSen. Jeff SchoenbergVictoria ScottChester and Delois C. Scott Hugh F. Semple, Jr.Hollis Settles, Jr.Yvonne and Butler SharpeNicole L. ShieldsTed and Jan Ester Short Lisa SilvermanGeraldine H. SizemoreFred SmartEdward E. SmithJan SouthertonNeal and Trimmy StamellState Historical Society of

WisconsinTony StephensLouise StrongCook County Commissioner

Larry SuffredinElizabeth F. SummersJerome and Nicola SummersValerie SummersNorma TaylorPatricia Taylor Clayton E. Taylor, Jr.The Chessmen Club of the

North ShoreThe Nixon FamilyVernita Thelen Evonda Ruker ThomasMr. and Mrs. Frank ThompsonTheodosia R. ThompsonElizabeth TisdahlDorothy TrippelMary A. TrujilloRita Robinson TurnerAl and Anna TylerPatricia A. VanceVarnado and Parkman, LLCGene and Trisha Varnado IISuzanne B. WaddyKathryn L. WalkerWalker School PTACheryl Walker-ThomasRosalee WatsonHon. Garland W. Watt Curtis WebleySusan WellingtonHenry L. WhiteHenry and Bette WhiteMildred Wideman Mary WilkersonJeff G. WilliamPauline L. WilliamsRobert and Muriel WilliamsDorothy Williams Wilmette Public LibraryByron WilsonDorothy P. Wilson Kathryn WimpArnold F. WinfieldDr. William and Essie WoodsMelissa WynneDoris C. YanceyYWCA Evanston/North Shore

(as of February 1, 2009)

Since our inception, SHOREFRONT has received support through generous grants,

in-kind contributions and memberships from the following:

Programs

Individual: $25

• four issues of SHOREFRONT Journal• Announcements of events• Listed in an issue of SHOREFRONT

Journal as a Member

Family: $50

• Copy of “Through the Eyes of Us”• Listed in an issue of SHOREFRONT

Journal as a Member

Organization: $100

• Listed in four issues of SHOREFRONTJournal as a Supporter

Small Business: $250

• Quarter page advertisement in four issues of SHOREFRONT Journal

Corporate: $1,000

• Half page advertisement in four issues of SHOREFRONT Journal

• Recognized in events as a Sponsor for the current year

Grantor: $5,000 and up

• Recognized in events as a Sponsor for the current year

• Listed in SHOREFRONT Journalunder Grantor

Membership: (Memberships are annual)A portion of each membership fee is reserved to further the collection efforts of SHOREFRONT archives, for assistance in research initiatives, andto aid students involved with research projects.

The Legacy Project SHOREFRONT’s oral history and photo documentaryinitiative designed to engage youth in aspects ofresearch, writing, and archiving personal andcommunity history. The resulting initiative produceditems for archiving, a public exhibit, and a betterunderstanding of the importance of preservingindividual, family, and community history.

ExhibitsSHOREFRONT produces annual traveling exhibitsfocused on specific aspects of the local AfricanAmerican community. Exhibits have beendisplayed in public venues throughout theChicago suburban North Shore area.

Lectures SHOREFRONT has been involved in numerous lecturesand neighborhood bus tours that highlight thehistory and contributions of the North ShoreAfrican American communities.

Archives SHOREFRONT maintains a growing archive of tangibleobjects and information relating to the NorthShore African American communities. Items inthe SHOREFRONT collection include over 1,000photographic images, original documents,obituaries, audio, newspapers, and references.The archive is available and open to the publicfor viewing and research initiatives.

Name _________________________________________________________________(as you want to be listed – individual or couple – please include maiden name)

Business _________________________________________________________________(if applicable)

Address _________________________________________________________________

City/State/Zip _________________________________________________________________

Phone (________)________________________________________________________

E-mail _________________________________________________________________

� I’d like to volunteer � I have historical information and/or photos to share

Gift From ______________________________Membership Form – Sign Up Today!

Check One:

Individual � $25

Family � $50

Organization � $100

Business � $250

Corporate � $1,000+

Grantor: Call 847.475.5321

Please Make Check Payable to:

SHOREFRONTP.O. Box 1894 • Evanston, IL 60204Shorefront is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) and is tax deductible

BECOME A MEMBER OF SHOREFRONT

SHOREFRONTP.O. Box 1894Evanston, IL 60204

Across this nation, archival institutions and publications continue their

struggle to maintain and catalog historic collections, especially those that

are important to African American communities. Deterioration, neglect,

and lack of funds add to the many difficulties of preservation. In family

homes, many items find their way into the trash.

SHOREFRONT, ever aware of these issues, builds upon its own archivesdocumenting local history makers of past and present. Even more,

SHOREFRONT shares these stories with the greater community through this

journal and other forms of outreach. These efforts help ensure the

preservation of African American history in a permanent manner.

We are all keepers of this important history. Contact SHOREFRONT if youwould like to contribute archival items that represent the struggles

endured and successes achieved within these historic North Shore

communities.

www.shorefrontlegacy.org

shorefront special issue

Documents