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.

A Family History Remembered

—By Priscilla Giles Ordinary people make up the majority of any city and the Thompson-Mack families are just that. Their distinction is that they can trace the family to the North Shore in the day when Black people were pioneering with whites. The family story begins with the kidnapping of James Martin Thompson from the...

Shorefront 2015: Continued Advocacy for Community Archives

Shorefront 2015 year of activities, outreach, awards and continued advocacy for community archives...

Lawrence B. Brooks: Filming Social Change

—By Carrie M. Brown In the main studio of Evanston Community Media Center Larry Brooks’ breaks through the darkness and approaches the podium. Silence falls within the filled room following the showing of his 1967 film The Integration of the Foster School. He proceeds to explain to those in attendance his motivations behind the film’s...

Recollections of Samuel R. Johnson, Jr., A Second Generation Barber

—by Janet Alexander Davis and Thelma A. Walker If you grew up in Evanston, then you probably remember numerous businesses on the Westside that were Black owned. Although many businesses stayed in place for many years, if one business left, another would take its place. Although it’s been a trying time for tens of thousands...

BESSIE M. RHODES: A LEGEND IN HER OWN TIME

— By Frank Santos The building had served a teachers training facility before it opened as Timber Ridge Magnet School in 1995. Ten years later it became the Dr. Bessie Rhodes Magnet School, the first educational facility in Evanston-Skokie school district to be named after an African-American woman. She was a diminutive Black woman in...

The Fleetwood-Jourdain Art Guild

— Original article by Mamie Smith-Faust For 25 years, the Fleetwood-Jourdain Art Guild had gifted the Evanston community with a collection of artwork by local and regional artist. Selections of the 32 pieces will be on display at the Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center in its newly renovated gallery. The idea for the Art Guild...
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