This is the day of giving. The one day of the year where giving to others instills in us values that are bigger than ourselves. The act of giving is one that is passed from parents to children and from old and young and when we give to others, we better ourselves and our communities.
Please take the time to reflect and give. This is a time of rejoicing and the more happiness and joy we spread, the better we all become. We are all blessed to have this time with our families and friends and for this we are thankful.
On behalf of the Chicago (IL) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, I would like to say,
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Enjoy your day and let's look forward to a prosperous and productive 2014!
Edward G. Irvin Foundation of Chicago (IL) Alumni Chapter Purchases EGIF/CAC Headquarters
Greetings Brothers All,
Hopefully, this message finds you all in good health and festive spirits as we approach the holidays. It is with profound happiness that we can now inform you that the purchase of theEdward G. Irvin FoundationCommunity House was completed on Friday, December 6, 2013.
Our sincerest congratulations and thanks are extended to Brother Walter Miller and Brother Torrence Moore, for their tireless work locating the building, negotiating the purchase price and details, and securing the necessary financing for the facility. This acquisition was the first phase, and much work remains to be done on remodeling of physical structure, before we can take occupancy of the building.
The facility, located at 500-504 East 67th Street in Chicago, was formerly a Jane Addams Hull House Association affiliate known as the Parkway Community House. The Parkway Community House has had a rich history in Chicago, first in Bronzeville and later at its present location in Woodlawn. Please take the time to learn more about the history of our building below.
More information will be presented to the Members of Chicago Alumni Chapter and the Edward G. Irvin Foundation, as we continue to move toward our anticipated move in date in Spring 2014. Brothers, please let us know the skills or expertise you have, that you can provide to assist in opening and running the Edward G. Irvin Community House. Your support and input is both needed and expected, in order for the facility to become the beacon of light we all envision in our community.
Yours In The Bond,
The Edward G. Irvin Foundation Board of Directors Major Armstead, President Eric J. Lindsay, Executive Committee & Board Member
1937-1957 Parkway Community House, formerly Good Shepherd Community Center, was organized by the Church of the Good Shepherd as an outreach program in 1936. It was first located at 51st and South Parkway and sought to meet the social, educational and recreational needs of the surrounding community. Although it was situated in a predominately African American neighborhood and had an almost exclusively African American clientele, its facilities were available to residents regardless of race or religion. It was relocated, in 1941, to 5120 South Parkway (now King Drive).
1957-2012 Jane Addams Hull House Association’s Parkway Community House, located at500 East 67th Street, was a vital resource to Chicago’s Woodlawn neighborhood for decades. Parkway was formed to meet the social, economic, and recreational needs of the community by providing vital services to more than 4,500 children, seniors and families annually. Parkway served as a community-based center, working closely with area residents, churches, schools, social service agencies, and businesses. Its services included an adult literacy program, preschool (Head Start) and after school programs, a community school (Emmett L. Till Elementary), domestic violence counseling and advocacy programs, and a small business development Center (SBDC). Employees and parents say the programs truly saved lives.
Pioneer of Black Theater in Chicago The Chicago Theatre Company (CTC) was established in 1984, and operated in a 90-seat venue in the basement of the Parkway Community House. CTC became a fixture of Chicago’s South Side theater scene by creating intimate productions of hard-hitting plays about African-American lives. The theater space gave audiences excellent views, regardless of where they sat.
Greetings Brothers! I am honored and excited to serve as Chicago Alumni Chapter's newly elected Polemarch. Please look forward to upcoming blog entries from me here!
