Douglas (Bronzeville) in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Ernest Griffin
1912-1995
| | Bronzeville Walk of Fame | |
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 13, 2026
1. Ernest Griffin Marker
Erected 1996.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Bronzeville Walk of Fame series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1947.
Location. 41° 50.142′ N, 87° 37.057′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in Douglas (Bronzeville). It is on South Dr. Martin Luther King Dr. south of 32nd Street, on the right when traveling south. The marker is embedded into the sidewalk on the west side of MLK Drive. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3232 South Dr Martin Luther King Drive, Chicago IL 60616, 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
this page online
Other markers no longer nearby. Douglas Plaza (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); Camp Douglas (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing).
Regarding Ernest Griffin. The former Griffin Funeral Home sat at 3232 S. King Dr., the site of this historical marker. While the original building exists, it was extensively renovated in 2024 and now hardly resembles its old self, which looked a lot like a two-story home. The renovated building is being used as a palliative care center.
Also see . . .
1. Ernest A. Griffin obituary. From the December
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 13, 2026
2. Ernest Griffin Marker
The remnants of the old funeral home is visible on the right side of this photo.
Excerpt: "Mr. Griffin was the director of the Griffin Funeral Home, 3232 S. Martin Luther King Drive, which is considered a landmark building in the Douglas community. Mr. Griffin presided over the funerals of several famous Chicagoans, including Nation of Islam leader Elijah Muhammad and track star Jesse Owens. He also was the first American funeral director to conduct a state funeral in a foreign country."(Submitted on May 21, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
2. Chicago Crusader: New owner of old Griffin Funeral Home making over $1M in renovations. A February 2025 article about extensive renovations to the old Griffin Funeral Home, which closed in 2007. (Submitted on May 21, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
Photographed by Paul Fehrenbach, October 9, 2018
3. Griffin Funeral Home
This 2018 photo shows the funeral home with its green roof in the distance, about five years before its recent renovation. The Camp Douglas historical marker visible here was missing as of May 2026, as the parking lot was being replaced by a set of townhomes. It is not known where that marker is now or if it will be re-placed after the construction ends.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 21, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 20, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 10 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 20, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. 3. submitted on October 16, 2018, by Paul Fehrenbach of Richfield, Wisconsin.
