South Bend in St. Joseph County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

J. Chester and Elizabeth Allen

Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, June 28, 2022

1. J. Chester and Elizabeth Allen Marker

Side A

Inscription.
African American attorneys J. Chester and Elizabeth Allen, who established a law firm here in 1939, fought for equal housing and employment. Elizabeth founded a local Red Cross nurse's aid training and placement program for black women in the early 1940s. As an NAACP member, she worked to desegregate educational facilities and advised on the Legal Redress Committee.

Elected state representative in 1938 and 1940. J. Chester introduced bills barring discrimination in employment and the judicial system. Appointed Negro Activities Coordinator of the State Defense Council in 1941, he opened WWII defense jobs to African Americans across the state. In a fight spanning two decades, he helped desegregate Engman Public Natatorium in 1950.

Erected 2020 by Indiana Historical Bureau, African American Fund of the Community of St. Joseph, South Bend NAACP.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Law Enforcement. A significant historical year for this entry is 1939.

Location. 41° 40.545′ N, 86° 15.22′ W. Marker is in South Bend, Indiana, in St. Joseph County. Marker is on South Lafayette Boulevard south of West Washington Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: South Bend IN 46601, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other

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markers are within walking distance of this marker. St. Joseph County Civil War Monument (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Replica of the Statue of Liberty (about 400 feet away); 10 Inch Shell (about 400 feet away); We Shall Overcome (about 500 feet away); Studebaker Plaza (approx. 0.2 miles away); Lincoln & Dixie Highways (approx. 0.2 miles away); Studebaker Blacksmith Shop and Carriage Factory Site (approx. 0.2 miles away); 112 S. Michigan St. (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in South Bend.

Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, June 28, 2022

2. J. Chester and Elizabeth Allen Marker

Side B

Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, June 28, 2022

3. J. Chester and Elizabeth Allen Marker

Side A

Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, June 28, 2022

4. J. Chester and Elizabeth Allen Marker

Side B

Credits. This page was last revised on June 30, 2022. It was originally submitted on June 28, 2022, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 123 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 28, 2022, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.