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- Traveler
- SkyKing
- October 21, 2009
New Monument on Chicago's Mag Mile
Chicago, Illinois
On my way to work this morning, something different caught my eye. On North Michigan Avenue, not far from where Oprah closed down the streets for her season opening party, sat a statue of a black man.
On the Northeast corner of Michigan, across the street from the Wrigley Building, you will find a brand new bronze bust of the “founder of Chicago”, Jean-Baptiste Pointe DuSable, 1745-1818. The plaque reads: "African-Caribbean, born in St. Marc, Haiti. In the 1770’s he opened the first trading post beside the Chicago River, establishing the settlement that became Chicago."
The monument was given to the city by Haitian-born Mr. Lesly
Benodin to honor the legacy of its founder. The bust was created by Eric Blome.
If you find yourself strolling down the Avenue, stop by and check out the statue.
Posted in:
Culture, Points of Interest
Features:
Architecture, Arts, Family Friendly, Inexpensive, Outdoor, Shopping, Sightseeing
Comments (4)
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- Traveler
- TheAdvocate
- November 17th 2009
It must have been the spirit of Jean-Baptiste Pointe DuSable that called many of my relatives to migrate from the Deep South in the '50's. Who knew? What a history lesson!
- Traveler
- ghostin
- November 18th 2009
Granted it is minute, but its good to that contributions to this nation from Black folks are starting to be recognized. More of these tributes need to be present to show our youth that our history is far greater than what is in the history books.
- Traveler
- Balthazar
- February 11th 2010
Wonderful. There should be more tribute given to this amazing trailblazing man.
Better than the Bean. And less expensive? Too long in coming.