Lydia Eudora Ashburne

Lydia Eudora Ashburne Evans, MD had a 65 year career in medicine and was the first black woman licensed as a general practice physician in the state of Virginia, and the first woman to graduate from the medical school at Howard University (1912). She moved to Chicago and established the first south side United Cerebral Palsy clinic.

She lived to be 105 years old.

Alum:
Norfolk Mission College
Howard University Medical School

---

Honorary Lydia Eudora Ashburne Way

East Pershing Road from South Martin Luther King Drive to South Vincennes Avenue

 

Approved: June 2024

Ward: 04
Alderman: Lamont Robinson
Neighborhood: Hyde Park

b. 1887 in Portsmouth, Virginia
d. January 14, 1992. Age 105 in Chicago

---

Source

20249148

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L._Eudora_Ashburne

https://www.dailypress.com/1992/01/21/lydia-eudora-ashburne-noted-doctor-dies-at-105/

https://www.chicagotribune.com/1992/01/20/lydia-ashburne-evans-pioneering-black-doctor/

Edna M. Pearce

---

Honorary EDNA M. PEARCE Way

Southwest corner of West Washington Street and North Hermitage Avenue

 

Approved: June 2024

Ward: 27
Alderman: Walter Burnett, Jr.
Neighborhood:Smith Park/West Loop

---

Source

20249193

Verlean Perkins

Verlean Perkins was a dedicated member of her community, education, and children. She wasa life long Chicagoan. For 30 years Verlean worked for the Board of Education and was a 15 year contributor to the summer food programs, and a dependable poll worker. She was the chairperson and 20 year volunteer of the Chicago Academic Games League.

She was a “mom” to the neighborhood children and was known as the “Apple Woman” to all who lived near her.

Alumni:
Chicago Public Schools

Member of the Apostolic Church of God

---

Honorary Verlean Perkins Avenue

6100-6246 South Wabash Avenue

 

Approved: June 2024

Ward: 20
Alderman: Jeannette Taylor
Neighborhood: Hyde Park

b. April 9, 1934 in Chicago

near
her home

---

Source

20249171

Merri Dee

Merri Dee had a long career in Chicago media as a television anchor on WGN-TV, Channel 9, from 1972-1983; then as Director of Community Relations and manager of the the stations Children’s Charities until 2008. After leaving broadcasting she served the Illinois Chapter of AARP until 2022.

She was born, Mary Francis Dorham in Chicago. Her first job was in radio in Harvey, Illinois at WBEE. She then went to WCIU, followed by WSNS where she hosted her own talk show The Merri Dee Show.

In 1971, she survived a kidnapping and murder attempt. She was involved in Illinois’ adoption of the Victim’s Bill of Rights in 1992, which became the basis of legislation in other states. Merri Dee was well known for her work with charities and has received several awards.

Alum
Midwestern Broadcasting School
Xavier University, Louisiana
Englewood Technical Prep Academy, Chicago

---

Honorary Merri Dee Way

1300 South Damen Avenue at West 13th Street

 

Approved: November 2013

Ward: 02
Alderman: Fioretti
Neighborhood: Near West Side/Illinois Medical District

b. October 30, 1936 in Chicago
d. March 16, 2022. Age 85

---

Source

20137731

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merri_Dee

https://youtu.be/EvPbpe_OiFs?si=X1e2qDKlxRQbKjtg

Colleen J. Flood

Colleen J. Flood was the owner of the Four Treys Tavern and helped to establish the neighborhood of Roscoe Village. She also initiated the “Retro on Roscoe” Festival and Car Show, as well as Winterfest and the Halloween Parade. She moved to Roscoe Village in 1979 and opened a beauty salon. Over the years she bought additional buildings and rental units in the area and established it as a family friendly and dog friendly neighborhood.

Alum
Carl Schurz High School (Chicago)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by FourTreys (@fourtreys)

---

Honorary Colleen J. Flood WAY

North Damen Avenue between West Henderson Street and West Roscoe Street

 

Approved: May 2024

Ward: 32
Alderman: Scott Waguespack
Neighborhood: Roscoe Village

b. August 22, 1944
d. September 19, 2023. Age 79

near
Four Treys Tavern
3333 N. Damen

---

Source

20248766

https://chicago.suntimes.com/obituaries/2023/10/13/23916149/colleen-flood-owner-of-the-four-treys-tavern-who-helped-revitalize-roscoe-village-dead-at-79

https://www.facebook.com/fourtreys/

https://www.instagram.com/fourtreys/

Winnie Ryan

Winnie Maureen Ryan and her sister, Lucy Claire, had an extremely rare form of mitochondrial disease which led to her progressive decline and death at the age of 6. It is estimated that fewer than 20 people worldwide had this particular gene mutation (FDXR).

The “Rally4Ryan Sisters” campaign raised funds and awareness for their care.

---

Honorary Winnie Ryan WAY

South Christiana Avenue between West 105th Street and West 105th Place

 

Approved: May 2024

Ward: 19
Alderman: Matthew O’Shea
Neighborhood: Mt. Greenwood

b. March 13, 1917
d. February 29, 2024. Age 6

---

Source

20248938

https://www.asimplestreaming.com/wmryan/

https://www.oneforthekids.org/family/the-ryan-family/

https://rally4ryansisters.com/

http://www.umdf.org/

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1263551340924118

Ossie Goff Ballew

Ossie Goff Ballew was a crossing guard for the Chicago Public Schools for 33 years on the corner of Western and Sunnyside near Welles Park and the Queen of Angels school.

---

Honorary Ossie Ballew WAY

West Sunnyside Avenue between North Artesian Avenue and North Claremont Avenue

 

Approved: March 2024

Ward: 47
Alderman: Matthew Martin
Neighborhood: Ravenswood

b. March 26, 1951 in Pikeville, Kentucky
d. November 15, 2023. Age 72, in Chicago

near
Her post as Crossing Guard

---

Source

20247867, 8941A

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/chicago-il/ossie-ballew-11543081

Helen Baran

---

Honorary Helen Baran WAY

6000 block of North Neva Avenue

 

Approved: March 2024

Ward: 41
Alderman: Anthony Napolitano
Neighborhood: Norwood Park

---

Source

20247335

Elise Malary

Elise Malary was a transgender rights advocate who worked with and supported the Chicago Therapy Collective, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, Equality Illinois, and the Civil Rights Bureau of the Illinois Attorney General’s Office. She identified as a black trans woman.

A vigil was held for her in the Andersonville neighborhood of Chicago.

---

Honorary Elise Malary WAY

1500 Block of West Catalpa Avenue from North Clark Street to North Ashland Avenue
* Amended to Elise Malary Plaza located at Catalpa and Clark

 

Approved: January 2024

Ward: 40
Alderman: Andre Vasquez, Jr.
Neighborhood: Andersonville

d. Age 31

---

Source

20236011
2022679
20221182
20249621

https://chicago.suntimes.com/lgbtq/2024/03/29/trans-activist-elise-malary-street-naming-andersonville

https://blockclubchicago.org/2024/04/01/andersonville-street-named-for-late-trans-activist-elise-malary/

https://youtu.be/7WYWq079V1Y?si=hUnjVHUJKphuW6Zc

https://youtu.be/6n7yvYx31uk?si=FJpo212EO4GZ5vQY

https://40thward.org/2024/05/introducing-elise-malary-plaza/

Rose Fay Thomas

Rose Fay Thomas, in 1899, established the Anti-Cruelty Society for the protection and care of animals. It was instrumental in providing services and education, and forwarding legislation against the abuse and maltreatment of stray, domestic, and work animals.

The original Small Animal Shelter was established at 1898 North Clark Street in 1904. It ran an animal rescue, ambulance service, and an animal adoption service. This was the first animal care charity in the country. The Anti-Cruelty Society has been at its current location at Grand Avenue and LaSalle Street since 1907. Rose Fay Thomas was also responsible for having water troughs installed across the city for horses.

She also established the National Federation of Music Clubs. Her husband was Theodore Thomas, the Founder, Musical Director, and Conductor of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Together they produced musical programs for the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago.

Her honorary sign was dedicated for the 125th anniversary of the Anti-Cruelty Society.

---

Honorary Rose Fay Thomas WAY

West Grand Avenue from North LaSalle Drive to North Clark Street

 

Approved: January 2024

Ward: 42
Alderman: Brendan Reilly
Neighborhood: West Town

b. September 4, 1952 in Vermont
d. April 19, 1929. Age 76 in Massachusetts

near
Anti-Cruelty Society
510 N. LaSalle

---

Source

20236444

https://classicchicagomagazine.com/the-woman-who-saved-millions-of-animals/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rose_Fay_Thomas

https://cso.org/experience/article/16552/celebrating-the-anti-cruelty-society-at-125

https://youtu.be/ABqXaO6SOu8?si=2NYShWrRl20mdmVQ

Maime Till-Mobley

Maime Till-Mobley was the mother of Emmitt Till. In 1955 she held an open casket visitation during her son’s funeral. Emmitt was a 14-year old from Chicago, when he was lynched, disfigured, and brutally murdered in Mississippi while visiting relatives. His murderers, who were white, were quickly acquitted. These events drew public outrage and put racism and acts of violence against black people on the world stage when gruesome photos of Emmitt’s body were published in Jet Magazine. Maime became a public figure in the civil rights movement and dedicated her life to justice.

“Let the people see what they did to my boy.”

Maime came to Chicago with her parents as a young child during the Great Migration of African-Americans from the segregated southern states. She was an excellent student, she made the “honor roll” at her high school which was predominantly white. She went on to teach in the Chicago Public schools for 23 years.

She died shortly before the publication of her autobiography, Death of Innocence: The Story of the Hate Crime that Changed America. Maime and Emmitt are both buried in Burr Oaks Cemetery, southwest of Chicago. Their house at 6427 S. Lawrence Street was dedicated as a landmark in 2020, and is now the Emmitt Till and Maime Till-Mobley House Museum. They were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2022.

Alum
Loyola University (there is a Maime Till Scholarship named in her honor at Loyola)
Chicago Teachers College (Chicago State University)
Argo Community High School

---

Honorary Maime Till-Mobley WAY

South Wabash Avenue between East 83rd Street and East 85th Street

 

Approved: December 2023

Ward: 06
Alderman: William Hall
Neighborhood: Avalon Park

b. November 23, 1921 in Mississippi
d. January 6, 2003

Maime Till-Mobley Day in Chicago 2021

Maime Till-Mobley Park in Chicago. 6404 S. Ellis Street

---

Source

20235643

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mamie_Till

https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/zlup/Historic_Preservation/Publications/Emmett_Till_and_Mamie_Till-Mobley_House_report.pdf

https://www.luc.edu/features/stories/academics/thestoryofemmetttill/#:~:text=When%20Mamie%20Till%20Bradley%20saw,%2C'%20she%20famously%20said.%E2%80%9D

https://www.luc.edu/education/about/alumni/mtm/

https://www.blacksingreen.org/till-house-museum

https://abcnews.go.com/US/emmett-till-mamie-till-mobley-awarded-congressional-gold/story?id=95711344

https://youtu.be/H0gQygAwhkw?si=it-3BcZEb2WaWctY

“Till” Movie Trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7INlp2fkZto

https://youtu.be/PuPlRvfEjj4?si=G4Q_DkavpJEJOd8v

https://youtu.be/sGWnPaa9qFY?si=TlLkmNaOTXSyESZN

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.

---

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)

---

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”

Shirley J. Newsome

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/

Beth Murphy

Beth Murphy was the owner of Murphy’s Bleachers sports bar at the corner of Sheffield and Wavelend, across the street from right field at Chicago’s famous Wrigley Field baseball stadium. The bar has a rooftop view of Cubs Baseball is popular among, fans, athletes, and musicians who all play at Wrigley.

Beth was active in the Lakeview community among rooftop owners and local businesses; she defended their interests amid the development in and around the iconic baseball stadium. She was the former president of East Lakeview Neighbors, and she led the annual Oktoberfest fundraiser.

The bar was originally Ernie’s Bleachers in the 1930s, In 1965 it became Ray’s Bleachers under new ownership. Beth’s husband, Jim Murphy, bought the bar in 1980 and ran it until his death in 2003. The bar is now owned by the next generation of the family, Brian Murphy.

Her honorary sign was dedicated at the Oktoberfest event in 2023.

---

Honorary Beth Murphy WAY

Southeast Corner of North Sheffield Avenue and West Waveland Avenue

 

Approved: September 2023

Ward: 44
Alderman: Bennett Larson
Neighborhood: Lakeview/Wrigleyville

b. 1955
d. 2023. Age 67

near
Murphy’s Bleachers
3655 N. Sheffield

---

Source

20232741

https://blockclubchicago.org/2023/09/14/beth-murphy-murphys-bleachers-late-owner-will-be-honored-with-wrigleyville-street-sign/

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2023/04/24/beth-murphy-the-murphys-bleachers-owner-who-battled-the-chicago-cubs-over-the-wrigleyville-rooftops-dies-at-68/

https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/beth-murphy-owner-murphys-bleachers-dies/

https://abc7chicago.com/beth-murphy-chicago-obituary-cubs-news/13186851/

Areanah M. Preston

Officer Areanah M. Preston had been a Chicago Police Officer for 3 years when she was robbed and murdered outside her home as she returned from a shift. She died days before her graduation from Law School; her diploma was received in a special recognition on the stage at graduation by her family.

Alum
Loyola University
Chicago Police Academy

---

Honorary Officer Areanah M. Preston WAY

South Blackstone Avenue between 81st Street and 82nd Street

 

Approved: July 2023

Ward: 08
Alderman: Michelle Harris
Neighborhood: Avalon Park

b. June 7, 1998
d. May 6, 2023. Age 24

---

Source

20231215

https://wgntv.com/news/chicago-news/loved-ones-honor-life-of-fallen-cpd-officer-1-year-after-murder/

https://youtu.be/A4MnwKq1-B0?si=dlsWh2gMPIJude71

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/oak-lawn-il/areanah-preston-11283050

Lola Navarro

Lola Navarro was an activist in the Latino community of Chicago who advocated for peaceful protests. She organized picketing in the Little Village and Pilsen neighborhoods to bring living standards and hiring practices to the attention of the attention of city transportation and education departments. She was influenced by Saul Alinsky and in turn influenced Jesus “Chuy” Garcia.

She and her family were the subject of a documentary on the life of a Mexican family in Chicago called La Rasa: a Portrait of a Family (1972) by Susan Stechnij as part of her Master’s thesis at UIC

---

Honorary Lola Navarro WAY

South Komensky Avenue between South 31st Street and South 32nd Street

 

Approved: June 2023

Ward: 22
Alderman: Michael Rodriguez
Neighborhood: Little Village

---

Source

20231610,1665

https://chicagoreader.com/news-politics/jesus-chuy-garcias-journey-from-a-village-in-mexico-to-the-race-against-mayor-emanuel/

https://youtu.be/Yieyac2B3Dg?si=sMaMvZ70mIOC4bLn

Carmen V. Gaspar

---

Honorary Carmen V. Gaspar WAY

South Millard between West 28th Street and West 30th Street

 

Approved: June 2023

Ward: 22
Alderman: Michael Rodriguez
Neighborhood: Little Village

---

Source

20232183,1664,780R

Ernest & Gloria Jenkins

Ernest “Ernie” & Gloria Jenkins were founding members of the Westside Association for Community Action (WACA), a community development corporation since 1973. The group serves the Lawndale neighborhood and provides juvenile justice intervention for at risk youth, and food for families. Ernie was CEO of WACA until 2009

Ernest served in the US Air Force. Ernest and Gloria worked as a consultants in market research and human relations and sensitivity training. Ernest became Executive Director of Programs for West YMCA: Austin and Southside YMCA, and in 1971 joined the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago to organize community self-help groups. He has won numerous awards for his service.

Gloria was a social worker at Chicago Youth Centers (CYC) and led a program for at-risk teenage girls. She was Executive Director of Urban Programs West YMCA and later served various roles at YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago. She served in an advisory capacity for multiple organizations promoting African-Americans and women.

Veteran: Ernest - US Air Force

Alum
Ernest: Aurora University (formerly George Williams College)
Gloria: Governors State University

Faith
Chicago Temple United Methodist Church

---

Honorary Mrs. Ernest & Gloria Jenkins WAY

West Ogden Avenue, between Central Park and Millard Street

 

Approved: March 2023

Ward: 24
Alderman: Scott
Neighborhood: North Lawndale

b. Ernest: Dec 30 1929. Mississippi
Gloria: in Chicago

d. Gloria: January 3, 2006
Ernest: January 2, 2018

Near: Westside Association for Community Action (WACA)
3600 W. Ogden

---

Source

2023986
IL-100-SR1294
IL-94-SR0566

https://wacanetwork.org/

Marge Britton

Marguerite “Marge” Britton was a 1969 founder of the the oldest block club in the Edgewater neighborhood, the Lakewood Balmoral Residents Council (LRBC) . Before a career in public relations, she worked for the Lerner Newspaper and Skokie News. She was also a Ward staff member who served during the tenures of 4 Aldermen.

Marge lived her entire life in the neighborhood, and raised her family of 6 children on Magnolia Street.

Alumni
Mundeline College in Rogers Park

---

Honorary Marge Britton WAY

North Magnolia Avenue, between West Balmoral Avenue and West Bryn Mawr Avenue

 

Approved: February 2023

Ward: 48
Alderman: Osterman
Neighborhood: Edgewater

d. April 8, 2022. Age 84

---

Source

2023656

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/chicagotribune/name/marguerite-britton-obituary?id=34195862

Sylvia "Toy" Knabjian

Sylvia Knabjian, a.k.a. Toy, was the proprietor of Bridgeport’s “Mike’s Hotdog Cart” at 32nd and Aberdeen, which her father Michael began.

---

Honorary Sylvia "Toy" Knabjian WAY

West 32nd Place, from South Carpenter Street to South Morgan Street

 

Approved: February 2023

Ward: 11
Alderman: Lee
Neighborhood: Bridgeport

d. 2004

---

Source

2023262

https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1985-11-16-8503190261-story.html