Ever heard of a park that honors a woman who ministered to prisoners on death row? That is Jessie ‘Ma’ Houston Park. This park is more than just a green space. It is a tribute to a remarkable woman. It is located at 5001 S. Cottage Grove Avenue in Chicago.
Jessie ‘Ma’ Houston Park stands as a testament to a life dedicated to service. The park is named after Reverend Jessie ‘Ma’ Houston. She lived from 1899 to 1980. She was a champion for the neglected and underserved. She was the first woman to minister to prisoners on death row in Illinois.
In 1991, the Chicago Park District honored her. They named this park after her. This 4.01-acre park includes a playground and basketball courts. A mural also commemorates her life. It is an active community park.
One of the park’s highlights is the mural “Feed Your Child the Truth”. Local youth created it under the direction of artist Bernard Williams. The mural captures key moments and messages from Houston’s life. Houston’s daughter, Helen Sinclair, helped create the mural. She offered stories and photographs.
The mural shows Houston with a determined gaze. Her hat features buttons with messages of freedom and equality. Civil rights demonstrators march for equality above her. An African American man behind bars warns youth about the consequences of crime below. This image reflects Houston’s commitment to inmates.
Williams incorporated African motifs and American details into the mural. A commemorative head honors a Nigerian king. A portrait of blues guitarist Johnny Shines also appears. The mural speaks to the neighborhood’s history. It gives voice to the community.
Another mural at Jessie ‘Ma’ Houston Park is called “Living Legends”. It honors Timuel D. Black Jr., Rosie Simpson, and Rev. Helen Sinclair. These local heroes contributed to civil rights activism and community service.
Timuel D. Black Jr. is an activist, historian, and educator. Rosie Simpson is an education activist. She protested school segregation. Rev. Helen Sinclair is a prison chaplain. She followed in her mother’s footsteps.
Jessie ‘Ma’ Houston Park has a rich history. The Kenwood neighborhood changed significantly between 1940 and 1960. African-Americans moved in and the population grew. The Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference formed to revitalize the area. The Chicago Housing Authority conveyed property to the Chicago Park District in 1963.
The park received a new playground in 1990. The playground was renovated in 2015 as part of Mayor Emanuel’s Chicago Plays Program. Jessie ‘Ma’ Houston overcame childhood paralysis. She settled in Chicago and helped other disabled people. She served on the governor’s correction advisory panel under three administrations.
Today, Jessie ‘Ma’ Houston Park remains a vibrant community space. It serves as a reminder of Jessie ‘Ma’ Houston’s legacy. It is a place where people can reflect on her contributions to civil rights and prison reform. Take a moment to appreciate the history and the art. Remember the woman who dedicated her life to serving others.