United States Department of the Interior
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
New Orleans Jazz National Historical
Park
363 Canal Street, Suite 2400
New Orleans, Louisiana 70139-1142
June 2, 2000
President James Stukel
University of Illinois
1737 West Polk, Suite 414
Chicago, IL 60612
Dear Mr. Stukel:
As a musical language, blues, like jazz, evolved as a singular expression
of the consciousness of African-Americans to a widely recognized national
music. Blues, if you will, is an anthem of our culture that expresses who
we are and what we are about to other Americans, as well as globally across
countless ethnic and geographic boundaries. A deeply spiritual, communal
and inclusive music, this nationally recognized art form contains the
principles of unity and freedom symbolic of American democracy.
Chicago has long been acknowledged as one of blues music's creative cauldrons. In the 1940s, the massive population shifts of Southern, or rural immigrants, to northern cities and neighborhoods - like the Maxwell Street district - brought countless musicians and musical styles that helped define the historical arc of blues. Maxwell Street not only provided a haven for African-Americans escaping the oppressions of the deep south, it also provided a social and economic environment that ultimately spawned "urban electrified blues". Unfortunately, as with jazz, many of the historic landscapes and venues within which indigenous music has developed, progressed and was performed have been lost.
The National Park Service, is one of this country's leaders in resource
preservation. The Service has traditionally maintained developing
holistic perspectives and approaches that recognize the continuity and
influences of America's natural and cultural traditions. By connecting
the public to important historical trends and events, we foster a better
public understanding and appreciation of our nation's resources. At the
same time we are creating an educational supportive constituency that aids
in their
ultimate protection and preservation.
It is our hope that collective of interested parties, including the University of Illinois and the City of Chicago, can join in developing a mutually agreed upon plan that: 1) allows all an economic benefit from the neighborhood's rich cultural heritage, and 2) contributes to the quality of life of both the resident and student community, while preserving this important vestige of America's musical heritage.
Sincerely,
Gayle L. Hazelwood
Superintendent
Return to the Maxwell St. News Update page.
Return to the Maxwell St. page.
Return to Chuck Cowdery's home page.
Go to the Maxwell Street Historic Preservation Coalition home page.
Contact Us
TO REACH US VIA EMAIL:
Chuck Cowdery, President (cowdery@21stcentury.net)TO REACH US VIA THE USPS:
Steve Balkin, Vice President (mar@openair.org)
Maxwell Street Historic Preservation Coalition
P.O. Box 6435
Evanston, IL 60204