Shirley J. Newsome led the North Kenwood-Oakland Community Conservation Council and in 1981 was a founding member of the Lake Park-Berkeley-Ellis-Drexel Block Club Association. She moved to prevent redevelopment of the area and into landmark district status. She also served briefly as Alderman of the 4th Ward, after which she was appointed to the Chicago Community Development Commission. In 2006 she retired from 40 years of service in the Federal Courts system.

She moved to the neighborhood in 1978, and was a member of the West Side New Galilee Missionary Baptist Church.

Alum
Chicago Teachers College (Chicago State University College of Education)
Marshall High School

Honorary Shirley J. Newsome WAY

South Lake Park Avenue between 41st Street and 42nd Place

Approved: October 2023

Ward: 04
Alderman: Lamont Robinson
Neighborhood: North Kenwood - Oakland

b. August 15, 1945
d. December 25, 2022. Age 77

Sign Dedication: November 11, 2023

Source

20233819

https://www.hpherald.com/news/shirley-newsome-north-kenwood-oakland-community-leader-caretaker-and-alderman-dies-at-77/article_44a8ae8e-8aed-11ed-9ebe-234783c56845.html

https://blockclubchicago.org/2023/11/13/former-kenwood-leader-shirley-newsome-honored-in-street-dedication-ceremony/

https://secc-chicago.org/4th-ward-celebrates-honorary-shirley-j-newsome-way/