DuSable Trip

Harvette Grey and Jack Leahy organized a tour for the DePaul Emeritus Society to the DuSable Museum in Hyde Park the morning of the May 20, 2011 Luncheon.  Twenty members participated and had a wonderful -- albeit too short -- time.  Evelyn, a docent at the museum, was a great tour guide for two most interesting exhibits in the museum.

Freedom Now
The centerpiece of the Ames Auditorium is the “Freedom Now” mural, created in 1965 by Robert W. Ames. It was originally carved in panels so that it could travel around the country. It has now been installed as a single piece and is the backdrop to the auditorium.  This profile-relief wooden mural, chronicles the history of Africans arriving to North America in 1619 and their evolution of becoming “African Americans”. The mural begins this journey by observing various complex social structures and diverse aspects of life on the African continent prior to European colonization. The mural also highlights the “Middle Passage” and the African presence in building the American landscape.  Evelyn provided the participants with an excellent detailed description of this beautiful carving.

Sixteen Pieces: An Exhibition of Sacred Yoruba Art
The concept for "Sixteen Pieces" originated with Babalawo Olalekan Babalola, of the Ifa Yoruba Contemporary Arts Trust in the U.K.  His idea was to have different artists interpret in a visual form, the main verses from the sacred Yoruba literature, Odu Ifa.  Taken together, these visual works give insight into the Yoruba worldview of life, death, transformation and rebirth.  Each painting interprets a specific body of literature that deals with the human experience as seen by the Yoruba.

The group then had sometime to wander through the museum and, of course, stop in the gift shop before boarding the trolley for the ride back to DePaul.  Their was so much to see, everyone felt an individual return trip was in order.

Unfortunately, we couldn't photograph in the museum, but the pictures below capture the trip from DePaul to the DuSable.  Our trolley conductor, Mike, shared with those on board a fascinating story about the South Side and some of its prominent persons as we traveled.  And, Alex, from Mission and Values, kept track of us all.

Harvette and Jack - thanks so much for organizing a great excursion.

Change of Venue for May 2011 DES Luncheon

The DES Luncheon on May 20 has been moved to the Cortelyou Commons.  Individuals who have responded to the luncheon will be contacted by phone or email.

The DuSable trolley will still leave from the Student Center, northeast corner of Sheffield and Belden by the statue of Monsignor Egan, at 9:15 a.m.   The trolley will bring everyone back to the Commons for lunch.

Sorry for the confusion.

May 20 Luncheon and DuSable Tour

NOTE: Change of venue for DES Luncheon, the Luncheon will be held in the Cortelyou Commons.  The trolley for the DuSable will still leave from the Student Center at 9:15 a.m.

We hope you have all received your invitation to the May 20 DePaul Emeritus Society morning tour and Luncheon.  If you can join us, please contact Alice Farrell at the telephone number or email address on the invitation.  Looking forward to our Spring DES gathering.

NOTE: Change of venue for DES Luncheon, the Luncheon will be held in the Cortelyou Commons.  The trolley for the DuSable will still leave from the Student Center at 9:15 a.m.

Parking coupons will be available at the event.

May 20 DES Luncheon Update

Luncheon plans are being firmed up for the many events on May 20th.  

• We are very happy to have Fr. John Richardson join us at the Luncheon.  He will be our guest speaker sharing his thoughts about the driving forces for DePaul's development over the past 50 years.  
• Prior to the lunch, plans are in the works for an excellent trip to the DuSable Museum of African American History.  Click here for more information about the DuSable Museum.  Logistical details will be included with the Luncheon invitation. At the moment, a trolley from LPC to the Museum is being planned.
• Additionally, we hope Rosa Perez, AVP Compensation and Benefits, will join us to talk about prescription drug expense.  Someone from Blue Cross/Blue Shield is also planning on attending to answer any specific questions we might have.
• And, we might even be able to meet the latest recipient of the DES Scholarship Award.  
• Finally, Alice always provides for an outstanding lunch menu, so bring your appetites!
• Mark your calendar for all of the events on May 20th and watch for the invitation either in the US mail or via your email address, depending which you choose to use for communications from the DES.

See you on the May 20th!

DuSable Museum Tour, May 20, 2011

The DuSable Museum of African American History, the first and oldest institution of its kind in the country, has been dedicated to the collection, preservation, interpretation and dissemination of the history and culture of Africans and Americans of African descent for more than 46 years.  Will you be joining us when the DePaul Emeritus Society takes a tour of the museum?

The DuSable Museum is conveniently located in Washington Park at the corner of 57th and Cottage Grove, at 740 East 56th Place.  Currently, the DES plans to have a shuttle available for attendees which will leave from the Lincoln Park Campus and return in time for all to enjoy the May 20 luncheon in the Commons.  More information regarding the tour will be provided with the DES Luncheon invitation.  Mark your calendars now so you won't miss this wonderful opportunity.

Our very own DES member, Harvette Grey, was honored by the DuSable Museum last March.  She will join us as we tour the facility

March 16, 2010 - DuSable Museum News:

Chicago, IL. —- "Twenty local women who committed time, support and inspiration, and also fought for social justice and parity during the Civil Rights Movement have been named “Chicago Freedom Sisters,” by the Board of Trustees and staff of the DuSable Museum of African American History. The women were chosen during a promotion sponsored by the DuSable Museum and Macy’s, which asked the citizens of Chicago to nominate a local woman activist who participated in the Civil Rights Movement and has historically demonstrated an unbridled commitment to our struggle for equal rights. The women selected will now become a part of the attendance record-breaking exhibition, “Freedom’s Sisters,” which continues through April 4, 2010 at the Museum which is located at 740 East 56th Place (57th Street and South Cottage Grove Avenue) in Chicago.

"The twenty “Chicago Freedom Sisters,” were honored and presented with Certificates and special gifts during a breakfast ceremony which was held at the Museum and they will become a part of the “Freedom’s Sisters” exhibition for its remaining time at the Museum. “Freedom’s Sisters” is a collaboration between The Smithsonian Institution and Cincinnati Museum Center that brings to life 20 African American women. The women range from key 19th century historical figures to contemporary leaders who have fought for equality for people of color. Now, those 20 women will be joined by 20 Chicago women who are champions of freedom in their own right." Among the Chicago Freedom Sisters is Dr. Harvette Grey.

Click here for more information about the DuSable Museum.