Bronzeville in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Rev. Jessie “Ma” Houston
1899-1980
| — | Bronzeville Walk of Fame | — |
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, September 28, 2026
1. Rev. Jessie “Ma” Houston Marker
Erected 1996 by City of Chicago.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Charity & Public Work • Religion & Religious Structures • Women. In addition, it is included in the Bronzeville Walk of Fame series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1899.
Location. 41° 50.073′ N, 87° 37.015′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in Bronzeville. It is at the intersection of South Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and East 33rd Street, on the right when traveling north on South Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Chicago IL 60616, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on Chicago’s South Side and in Chicago’s Bronzeville. It is also in the American Midwest. Globally, it is in North America, on the Great Lakes, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Casey "Chicken Charlie" Jones (a few steps from this marker); Oscar DePriest (within shouting distance of this marker); Willie Dixon (within shouting distance of this marker); William L. Dawson (within shouting distance of this marker); Mahalia Jackson (within shouting distance of this marker); Bishop Louis Henry Ford (within shouting distance of this marker); McKinley Morganfield (within shouting distance of this marker); John Jones (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.
Regarding Rev. Jessie “Ma” Houston. Ma Houston came to Chicago in the 1920s and was active in the civil rights movement, and in particular prison reform. She was the first woman in Illinois permitted to serve as a minister to death row prisoners in Illinois. Houston is the namesake of a park a couple of miles from here at Cottage Grove and 50th.
Also see . . .
1. Chicago Tribune: Ma Houston obituary. (Submitted on September 29, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
2. Kenwood mural celebrates Chicago civil rights figure Rev. Jessie ‘Ma’ Houston.
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, September 28, 2026
2. Rev. Jessie “Ma” Houston Marker at 33rd and King Drive
Credits. This page was last revised on September 29, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 29, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 3 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 29, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.
