Thanks to those who took time Saturday evening to join us for this Black History Month virtual event–The Road to DuSable Lake Shore Drive, A Martin’s International – Black Heroes Matter (BHM) Coalition Presentation.
Again, I apologize for the technical difficulties and connection problems. Prayerfully, in the near future, the video will be available for viewing.
Until then, as requested, below you’ll find my remarks from the event. Note, that dispersed throughout the program were other speakers and music from Marvin Gaye, Nina Simone, and James Brown! I dedicate this in loving memory of my Mother, Father, Brother, and all other loved ones.
“Good evening, everyone! Happy Black History Month and Happy Love Month! I am thankful to God for this opportunity and greet you all with Love!
Speaking of love, through my eyes, that is what the journey to DLSD has been all about. LOVE.
Our love for Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable and his amazing legacy;
love for his wife, Kitihawa who supported and led with him;
love for the Potawatomi people who showered DuSable with so much love and support;
love for Chicago and its people particularly black people;
love for the DuSablist who came before us advocating for DuSable to be properly honored;
love for those who will come after us;
and love for the Black Heroes Matters Coalition founders, Dr. Ephraim Martin and wife Justice Shelvin L.M. Hall.
It’s because of love, that in the midst of a pandemic and social and racial unrest, they mobilized thousands of people to pick up the mantle of ensuring that DuSable finally receives the recognition he deserves as the founder of the city of Chicago.
In Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus says, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[a] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as YOURSELF. As an aside, I believe if our world leaders took that scripture to heart, we would not be dealing with the current world conflicts. Love is not a weakness. It’s a strength.
Anyway, back to DuSable. With Alderpersons David Moore and Sophia King, we prayed, planned, wrote letters, held meetings, attended city council meetings and committee meetings—speaking, petitioning, and advocating for the renaming of LSD to DuSable Drive. Finally, Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s compromise proposal to rename Lake Shore Drive to JBPDLSD was accepted and approved. The BHM Coalition, Mayor Lightfoot, and the Leaders of the City of Chicago (particularly the Transportation Committee with Alderman Howard Brookins Jr. as the chairperson) made what some thought was impossible, possible. LSD became JBPDLSD. Yes, With God and Love, all things are possible for those who believe.
And so, going forward, as I close and as we close out Black History month, we still stand in need and want for blacks in America. And, it shall be done. As for Chicago and DuSable, we still want a full City Holiday, a major 25ft Monument, and a beautiful park bearing his name. Let’s make it happen with Love.”
That’s it, friends. As always, be safe and be well. Remember to strengthen your immune system by eating healthy and taking a good multi-vitamin; wear your mask; watch your distance; and continue to wash your hands often. In Jesus Name. Amen. And, so it is.
Here’s the link to the show at https://youtube.com/MarilynsCafeSociety. Be sure to “like” “subscribe”, “share”, and “follow”. Also, visit the website at marilynscafesociety.com to connect to my social media. Peace.
Live. Laugh. LOVE.
Marilyn
Marilyn's Cafe Society 