Lula Mae Watson-Williams

Mother Lula Mae Watson-Williams established the Williams Inn pizzaria and bar in 1969 after having worked at famous Chicago pizza establishments such as Pizzaria Due, Lou Malnati’s, and Gino’s. She was the mother of seven children. Her business offered good food and employment opportunities to the Englewood neighborhood. She also expanded it to include a full-service restaurant and a pool hall.

The original location at 5701 S. Ashland ran for 30 years in the Englewood neighborhood before it burned down. In 2021 a new location opened at 2210 South Michigan Avenue. It is still family owned and operated today.

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Honorary Lula Mae Williams WAY *

South Ashland Avenue between 57th Street and 58th Street

 

Approved: November 2023 *

Ward: 16
Alderman: Stephanie Coleman
Neighborhood: West Englewood

near
Williams Inn Pizza & Sports Bar
5701 S. Ashland Ave (original location)

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Source

20234791

https://www.williamsinnpizza.com/about-us

https://wgntv.com/news/chicagos-very-own/owner-of-iconic-black-owned-gay-bar-opening-inclusive-pizza-restaurant/

* May 2024 Amended - to “Lula Mae Williams Way” from “Mother Lula May Watson-Williams Way”

Donald L Seals, Sr.

Donald L. Seals, Sr. was the owner operator of the People’s Choice Grocery Store in the Englewood neighborhood for more than 33 years. He was an active community member who supported children in need with coats, food, and large doses of kindness and consideration. Local Aldermen referred to him as an “Angel of Englewood.”

After high school he enlisted in the Air Force and quickly rose to the rank of Captain and then Fire Chief. He went on to train State Fire Marshalls.

Veteran

U.S. Air Force

Alum

Edmund Burke Elementary School
Hyde Park High School

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Honorary Donald L. Seals, Sr Drive

5500 to 5659 South Princeton Avenue

 

Approved: December 2022

Ward: 16 and 20
Alderman: Coleman (16), Taylor (20)
Neighborhood: Englewood

People’s Choice Grocery Store
5647 S. Princeton Avenue

b. January 1, 1927
d. age 95

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Source
20223738

OC Sanders

OC Sanders was the owner of Sanders Lounge, an Englewood establishment he opened in 1970 and ran for 51 years.

He was known for hosting events, booze cruises, softball leagues, … and his favorite saying…

Whisky sitting still, don’t may no bills

OC moved to Chicago in 1965 from Utica, Mississippi

Alum:
Utica Junior College (Mississippi)
Crane Business College (Chicago)

Christ Universal Temple

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Honorary OC Sanders Way

700 West 59th Street to 5901 South Halsted Street

 

Approved: November 2022

Ward: 16
Alderman: Coleman
Neighborhood: Englewood

b. July 29, 1942 in Utica, Mississippi
d. November 9, 2021

Sanders Lounge / OC Sanders Back Bar
700 W. 59th Street

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Source

20222633