Mac and Louise Irvin
Linda Zabors
McGlother "Mac" Irvin was considered the “Godfather“of Chicago club basketball. He launched the Mac Irvin Fire, basketball club to highlight Chicago talent and setup a traveling team, which was sponsored by Nike in 1992. Many players went on to the NBA. He also founded the Mac Irvin Foundation to make a positive impact on at risk youth through basketball.
His wife, Louise Irvin was the manager of the program until her death in 2019. He worked for Xerox company before starting the Club; they raised 6 children on the South Side of Chicago. The Foundation and Club are being continued by the Irvin children.
Fernwood Park Basketball Courts were dedicated in his honor in 2012.
Honorary McGlother "Mac" Irvin WAY
South Parnell Avenue from West 109th Street to West 111th Street
Approved: April 2023
Ward: 21
Alderman: Howard Brookins, Jr., (amended September) Ronnie Mosely
Neighborhood: Pullman
d. 2011. Age 74
Sign dedication: September 23, 2023
Source
20231313
20121108
https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/mcglother-mac-irvin-basketball-courts
https://www.jcoydenreports.com/chicagohonorsgodfathermacirvin
https://www.espn.com/blog/chicago/high-school/post/_/id/2380/chicago-mourns-passing-of-mac-irvin
https://www.foreverfire.org/about-us
https://www.guidestar.org/profile/36-4430661
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2011/12/24/mac-irvin-godfather-of-chicago-basketball-dies/