Greater Chatham Initiative
Placekeeping Greater Chatham
The Greater Chatham Initiative strategically invests in the Chatham, Greater Grand Crossing, Avalon Park, and Auburn Gresham Chicago neighborhoods, so that they can continue being communities of opportunities and choice. Greater Chatham comprises Avalon Park, Auburn Gresham, Chatham and Greater Grand Crossing. The 15-square mile area is roughly bounded by: South Chicago Avenue to the east, the Dan Ryan Woods to the west, 63rd Street to the north, and 87th Street to the south. 117,000 residents call Greater Chatham home.
Other projects led by Greater Chatham Initiative are: Artists on the 9, FoodLab, and Soul Food.
In 2024, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced that the Greater Chatham Initiative is designated as a Cultural District in the State of Illinois.
ABOUT MAHALIA JACKSON COURT
From an empty lot to a vibrant plaza, Mahalia Jackson Court is a new placemaking amenity for the Chatham community. Operated by the Greater Chatham Initiative, Mahalia Jackson Court serves as a community space for congregating, fellowshipping, and celebrating the arts. Named after Chatham transplant and gospel icon Mahalia Jackson, her music provided the early soundtrack for the Chicago Black Arts Movement. Believed to be only the third monument in the city dedicated to a Black woman, Mahalia Jackson Court helps memorialize Black history and culture in Chicago.
The Court is open Monday-Friday from 7-7, Saturday from 9-5, and Sunday from 12-5. The Court is closed during severe weather conditions including lightning and tornado events.
Mahalia Jackson Court September 2nd Ribbon Cutting
The Transformation of the Mahalia Jackson Court
ABOUT MAHALIA JACKSON
Mahalia Jackson (1911-1972) was an American gospel singer and one of the most influential vocalists in the 20th century. Her ardent advocacy for gospel music throughout her 40+ year career led to considerable and unexpected success in a recording career, selling an estimated 22 million records and performing in front of integrated and secular audiences in concert halls around the world.
Completely self-taught, her recordings captured the attention of jazz fans in the U.S. and France, and she became the first gospel recording artist to tour Europe. Her songstylings captured the attention of international audiences – she made regular television and radio appearances and even sang the national anthem at President John F. Kennedy’s 1961 Inaugural Ball.
Drawing on her life experiences of growing up in poverty in New Orleans, living and touring throughout the Jim Crow South, she was a passionate civil rights activist. She performed at fundraisers and took the stage at the 1963 March on Washington. Additionally, she developed a close friendship with Martin Luther King Jr.’s family throughout her career.
Mahalia’s Home | 8358 S. Indiana Ave.
