Shorefront Journal
Uncovering stories is a part of Shorefront’s DNA

Shorefront Journal

Shorefront Journal is the official online publication of Shorefront. Occasional postings explore local Black history, work within Shorefront and welcomes contributing articles from the general public. The original journal began in 1999 as a printed quarterly. In 2012, the journal transitioned online with an annual printed version. Several issues of the original journal can be found at issuu.com/shorefront.

For submissions: Send articles and supporting images for consideration to shorefront@me.com

Re-posting: Please cite “shorefrontlegacy.org” when reposting any Shorefront media and publications originating from Shorefront Journal

Publications: Visit lulu.com/spotlight/shorefrontpress for all of Shorefront’s active publications through Shorefront Press.

In 1999, Shorefront Journal, in its original printed form, was released to meet the need of sharing these significant stories to the general public. Published quarterly, this informal journal gave voice to the many historical moments throughout the Northern suburbs of Chicago.

The journal also gave exposure to more than 60 contributing writers — students, professors, historians alike — and became a venue for writers to share their stories and skills.

Shorefront welcomes the work of novice and professional writers and will make every effort to assure timely consideration of submissions. CLICK HERE to submit.

Wilmette: An Early North Shore African American Community

— Short Series — The growth of the African American communities in Chicago’s suburban North Shore was unique. Instead of first settling in Chicago, most early settlers came directly to these North Shore communities. Whether escaping from slavery or returning from Canada after the Civil War, The North Shore has been home to African Americans...

Dorothy Hadley: An Ethiopian Princess at the Birth of a Movement

— By Dino Robinson The movie Coming to America was a comedy romance story of an African Prince who came to America in disguise in search of his future wife of his equal. Starring comedians Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall, I though it was very entertaining with a happy ending. A real life coming to...

From the Shorefront Archives #004

—By Patrick Carr, Dominican University I found my way to Shorefront through an internship for my Intro to Archival Principles, Practices and Services class at Dominican University.  I had never heard of Shorefront before, and I didn’t know much about Evanston or the North Shore area going in, but I have a keen interest in...

2012 in review

Thank  You! Thank you all for visiting, reading and posting comments to Shorefront Journal online! Shorefront launched its online journal in August of this year, replacing our printed quarterly journal of 10 years. This has had a tremendous success for us as we are able to reach more readers, contributors and responders. In addition, it...

Richard Day, Early Entrepreneur

By Rhonda K. Craven 2012— After the Civil War, the Village of Evanston witnessed an influx of former slaves, and many parlayed their skills into businesses. One who became a multi-faceted entrepreneur and earned the respect of both blacks and whites was the highly popular young man, Richard Day. a colored man of individuality Born...

Fred Hutcherson, Jr.: Soaring the Skies

— By Shorefront Fred Hutcherson, Jr., an Evanston native, was a 
self-taught aviator who eventually trained black 
military cadets at Tuskegee to fly. Hutcherson, Jr’s 
accomplishments include the attempt to open the first ever black-owned International Airline based in Haiti, was a Captain with S.A.M. Airlines, a pilot for British West Indies Airlines, operated a...
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