Proposed Monument to Frederick Douglass in Jackson Park

At the August 11 JPAC meeting, Mr. Rapoport announced that the needed funds have been raised, a total of about $2,800+ as set after bids by Parkways Foundation. Barry and JPAC wish to thank the Parkways Foundation, Polk Bros. Foundation, and numerous groups and individuals for their donations. Final approvals and implementation of this now Park District project are under discussion. We thank Park District staff for their help and facilitation.

 

July 13, 2008

Retired South Shore teacher has worked tirelessly to arrange for a memorial stone and plaque for Frederick Douglass near Jackson Park's 59th Inlet, west of Lake Shore Drive. This project, which has enthusiastic support from Jackson Park Advisory Council and Alderman Leslie A. Hairston and grew out of a school living history classroom project, is described in other pages--specifically see the Jackson Park/JPAC homepage and Columbian Exposition page--as well as various Jackson Park Advisory Council Newsletters (accessed from the JPAC homepage). The monument would stand in the footprint of the Haitian Pavilion of the 1893 Exposition, where Douglass gave the first speech of the under-construction Exposition and represented Haiti at the pavilion during the fair, as well as participating in other ways. To learn more of that and the presence of Ida B. Wells at the fair, consult Reed, Christopher Robert. The First 100 Years of Black History in Chicago. More papers are being assembled thanks to Rapoport and the Hyde Park Historical Society.

Here is Barry's brief description, including text approved by Chicago Park District, and appeal for funds to complete the project. To ensure its completion, it would be advisable to send this year any contributions, to Parkways Foundation at 541 N. Fairbanks, Chicago, IL 60611.

Frederick Douglass Monument Project

July 13, 2008

Dear Friends,

We are writing to inform you about an important Chicago Park District Project and to ask for your participation. In paying special tribute to an important historical figure, we must raise funds to dedicate the Frederick Douglass historical marker in Jackson Park. The marker will be a granite boulder with an engraved bronze plaque. In order to complete this project we need your financial contributions. Douglass was one of the most prominent figures in American history and a formidable public presence. He was a firm believer in the equality of all people, whether black, female, American Indian, or recent immigrant. He was fond of saying, "I would unite with anybody to do right and with nobody to do wrong."

We have now raised more than $700., but still need $2,085. to complete this project. Excess funds will go to the Chicago Park District General Fund. To donate, please fill in the form and return to the address below.

Donation amount $ __________________
Name __________________________________________________
Address _________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
Telephone (home) _________________ (office) ________________
Email ____________________________ Fax __________________
Enclosed is a check or charge my credit card:
Visa _____ MC_____ Am Ex _____
Card # _______________________________________ Exp. Date_____

Make your check payable to Parkways Foundation, the fiscal agency partner managing funds for this project. Parkways Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization, the philanthropic partner of the Chicago Park District, and donations are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.

Please mail your check to:
Parkways Foundation
Frederick Douglass Monument Project
541 North Fairbanks Court, Suite 850
Chicago, Illinois 60611

Fax 312 742.5325

For donation inquiries, contact Cameron Lane clane@parkways.org or 312.742.4808
Or Barry Rapoport, drumjug@yahoo.com or 773.315.9269

Thank you for your participation in this educational venture.

Barry Rapoport
JPAC member

The plaque will read:

FREDERICK DOUGLASS (1818-1895), AN EX-SLAVE,
WAS AN IMPORTANT AUTHOR, EDITOR, ORATOR, STATESMAN
AND ONE OF THE FOREMOST LEADERS
OF THE ABOLITIONIST MOVEMENT IN AMERICA

IN CELEBRATION OF HAITIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY
AND THE COMPLETION OF THE FIRST PAVILION
FOR THE WORLD’S COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION,
DOUGLASS DEDICATED THE HAITIAN PAVILION
JACKSON PARK, JANUARY 2, 1893

DEDICATED BY CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS,
TEACHERS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS
2008