Grand Boulevard (Bronzeville) in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Oscar DePriest
Chicago Tribute
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, August 27, 2021
1. Oscar DePriest Marker
Oscar DePriest
Politician
1871-1951
Shrewd, smart and street savvy, Oscar DePriest was a natural politician. He became Chicago’s first black alderman and the first black congressman elected from a northern state.
Born in Alabama, DePriest came to Chicago in the late 1880s, finding work as a house painter. His organizational skills, popularity and strategic prowess impressed Republican Party leaders, who nominated him for Cook County commissioner in 1904. He served two terms.
In 1915, he was elected alderman of the 2nd Ward. He introduced a civil rights ordinance in city council the next year. Although indicted for bribery in 1917, he was acquitted.
He ran for re-election in 1919, as a member of the People’s Movement Club, an independent political party he founded. Although unsuccessful, he went on to narrowly win the First District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1928. During his tenure, his victories were both symbolic, as when he fought for the right of his wife, Jessie Williams DePriest, to have tea with President Hoover’s wife in the White House, and substantive, with his antidiscrimination amendment to the 1933 bill establishing the Civilian Conservation Corps.
After leaving Congress in 1934, DePriest ran
this page online
Erected by Chicago Tribune, Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Chicago Tribute, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), and the Former U.S. Presidents: #31 Herbert Hoover series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1904.
Location. 41° 48.713′ N, 87° 37.021′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in Grand Boulevard (Bronzeville). It is on South King Drive, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4536 South King Drive, Chicago IL 60653, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Marx Brothers (within shouting distance of this marker); Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Honorable Harold Washington (approx. 0.2 miles away); Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong (approx. 0.2 miles away); Melissia Ann Elam Home (approx. ¼ mile away); Robert S. Abbott (approx. ¼ mile away); The Forum
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, August 27, 2021
2. Oscar DePriest Marker - wide view
The marker is visible here in the picture center, mounted to a pole by the curb, peeking just above the gold car.
Also see . . .
1. DePriest House NRHP nomination (National Archives). "This includes the registration form, photographs, maps, and correspondence detailing the significance of the Oscar Stanton De Priest House in Cook County, Illinois. Mr. DePriest resided in the second story of this Chicago apartment building from 1929-1951, shortly after his first term serving his term in the United States House of Representative (the first African American to be elected in the twentieth century)...." (Submitted on September 7, 2021.)
2. DE PRIEST, Oscar Stanton (US House of Representatives).
"Oscar De Priest was the first African American elected to Congress in the 20th century, ending a 28–year absence of black Representatives. De Priest’s victory—he was the first black Member from the North—marked a new era of black political organization in urban areas, as evidenced by the South Side district of Chicago, whose continuous African–American representation began with De Priest’s election in 1928. Although he made scant legislative headway during his three terms in Congress, De Priest became a national(Submitted on September 7, 2021.)symbol of hope for African Americans, and he helped lay the groundwork for future black Members of the House and Senate."courtesy of the Chicago Historical Society3. Marker inset: Oscar DePriest"Politics was recreation to me. I always liked a good fight"
courtesy of the Chicago Tribune, 1930
4. DePriest discusses issues of the day with constituents in 1930
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, August 27, 2021
5. Plaque above entrance denoting that the Oscar Stanton DePriest home is on the National Register
Credits. This page was last revised on June 26, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 7, 2021, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 609 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 7, 2021, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
