Wagons and Warehouses: School Integration and Civil Rights Organizing in Chicago, 1915-1966

Date of Award

Spring 2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

African American Studies

First Advisor

Feimster, Crystal

Abstract

Wagons and Warehouses: School Integration and Civil Rights Organizing in Chicago,1915-1966 details some of the many stories of mothers, teachers, students, and local activists who waged battles for education equality in Chicago against Superintendent Benjamin Willis and the Board of Education from 1915 to 1966. Rooted in the fight for equal education, they demanded inclusive curriculums, safe facilities with enough space for children to learn and play, and the freedom for Black parents to relocate their children to nearby schools when their designated neighborhood school was inadequate. By 1963, diverse local organizations converged citywide, coalescing around the urgent issue of schools and igniting a mass protest movement. This dissertation examines how Black activists strategically leveraged the landmark Brown vs. Board of Education decision to press demands upon municipal government. It explores the intricate process by which organizers orchestrated a mass movement within the complex landscape of a city of over 3 million residents. The study challenges the prevailing narrative that often casts Chicago's civil rights movement as a failure, asserting that the movement's true essence lies in its resilience, adaptability, and transformative impact. This study serves as a critical intervention, not only offering a nuanced exploration of the struggles against segregation but also challenging preconceived notions about the efficacy of civil rights movements in urban settings. "Wagons and Warehouses" stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of those who sought change, enriching our comprehension of the multifaceted battle for education equality and its far-reaching implications for urban communities.

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS