SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS - the Illinois State House passed House Resolution HR1257, recognizing the Stoney Island area of Chicago as a Black Wall Street District.
HR1257 reads in it's entirety:
WHEREAS, Chicago is the third largest city in the United
States and a thriving center of business, industry, and
culture; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago Urban League has stated that "Chicago
will be the new Black Wall Street"; Stony Island Avenue is one
commercial strip that has 80% or more businesses owned by
African-Americans; it is a prime example of a Black Wall Street
District in Chicago; and
WHEREAS, Since the early 1940s, African-American
businesses have thrived on South Stony Island Avenue, bringing
quality products and services to the community; in subsequent
years, these business owners saw a growth in their profits as
they were able to sustain a comfortable way of life for
themselves and their families; with the downturn in the economy
over recent years, some of the businesses that once flourished
on Stony Island Avenue are now facing financial difficulties;
and
WHEREAS, It has been determined, by the members of the
Black Wall Street-Chicago, that the community will utilize the
template of Black Wall Street-Oakland and will help build the
business capacity of African-American businesses along Stony
Island Avenue in Chicago; and
WHEREAS, History will show that Black Wall Street-Chicago
continues the rich historical tradition of growth and
prosperity with the original "Black Wall Street District" in
Tulsa, Oklahoma; during the early 1900s, the area reportedly
used "black dollars" instead of U.S. currency to do business
inside the district; in 1921, the Tulsa Race Riot, one of the
nation's worse acts of racial violence, occurred; many
African-American business owners and the residents of
Greenwood were burned out, shot, kidnapped, and killed in the
early hours while they slept; the neighborhood has been
restored and is now a part of the Greenwood Historical
District; and
WHEREAS, Black Wall Street-Chicago recognizes the
potential to recreate on Stony Island Avenue in Chicago the
positive aspects of the historic Black Wall Street in Tulsa;
through the organization's mission to sustain and increase
black businesses, Stony Island Avenue is achieving stability
and is one of many business districts that has African-American
ownership in parity with its population; and
WHEREAS, Stony Island Avenue is currently undergoing a
revitalization to cultivate a pedestrian-friendly, urban
experience on the southeast side of Chicago, similar to the
makeover in the southern portion of downtown Chicago; the Black Wall Street District on Stony Island Avenue includes the #1 African-American female accounting firm in the nation, a waffle house, a printing company, barbeque and soul food restaurants, women and men's clothing and shoe stores, barber shops and beauty salons, among many other flourishing businesses; and
WHEREAS, A comprehensive plan to help sustain black-owned businesses has and continues to be developed by Black Wall Street-Chicago; the plan continues to be developed during weekly meetings of the group and during Black Wall Street Economic Summits, which have been held quarterly since March of 2007; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize Stony Island Avenue as a Black Wall Street District in the City of Chicago; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the members of Black Wall Street-Chicago as a symbol of our esteem and respect.
Resolution HR1257 was voted on in the wake of the historic passing of Illinois State Senate Resolution SR0432 back in October, recognizing E 75th Street as a Black Wall Street District.
Resolution HR1257 was introduced by Illinois State House Representative Marlow H. Colvin on May 24, 2010. Colvin, who represents the 33rd District serves on the following Illinois House committees: Appropriations-Public Safety; Consumer Protection (Chairperson); Elementary & Secondary Education; Insurance; Labor; Personnel & Pensions (Vice-Chairperson); Telecommunications Committee; School Transportation; Workers Comp. and Unemployment Insurance.
Commenting on Resolution HR1257, Michael Carter, Sr., National President and Chairman for Black Wall Street District USA based in Oakland, said “We are pleased and encouraged by the recognition of the Illinois House and the vision of Illinois State House Representative Marlow H. Colvin”.
"BWSC stands proud in the passing of these resolutions as it recognizes the spirit of Black Wall Street Districts across the country and pays tribute to the memory of Black Wall Street Tulsa and the survivors of the Race Riots of 1921 in Oklahoma." said Ron Carter, Chairman of Black Wall Street District Chicago and the Naional Midwest Regional Director.
There are Black Wall Street District's in Atlanta, Durham, Minneapolis, Oakland, San Diego, and Seattle. According to Ben Johnson, BWSD USA National Administrator, there are plans for expansion in the following cities: Houston, Portland, Jackson Ward in Richmond, VA, Detroit, Miami, West Seattle and Philadelphia–with another 26 cities interested in the spirit.
CONTACT:
Karen Sapp
National Media Office
888 616 3110
karensapp@blackwallstreet.org
