Johnnie Mae Dunson (Smith) - 'Dunson' is a stage name. <312-397-1497>, submitted on Date: Thu, 19 Nov 1998
Dear Mr. Chancellor David Broski:
I am a 77 year old legend and Maxwell was really the beginning of me being a legend. I am very sick and I feel like you are taking life out of so many of us by not cooperating with us. I have been living on Death Row in my heart and mind. Please don't let me die with the sadness of your destroying this precious gem Maxwell Street.
It is home of our children and grandchildren. Why would you want to hurt all of the senior citizens and especially our sons and daughters, children. Take a deep thought and think about what you are doing. I know you got something you care about that you don't want destroyed, so make peace and lets pray together and stay together. This land is for us.
We made you and others happy once upon a time. Give credit where it is due. I am a miracle child, wasn't supposed to live to get 14 or 15 years old and God said "Yes" when the Doctor said no. I thank God for letting me be here 77 years. If you ever had any love in your heart for mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, grandmas and grandpas, show us your love by not destroying our precious Maxwell Street. We want it to remain and would like for you to make it happen. Let us have our remaining blocks along Halsted Street and Maxwell Street to be preserved for our kids to see the historic grounds and what made it be what it is today. It is so many memories are in my mind about Maxwell Street. I can't believe that it will not be no more Good Time Maxwell Street.
Let us have our place to teach and perform on Maxwell Street for every nationality and all age groups. Blues is life. Tell us what is wrong and right in the life of your and me and everybody. I got the Blues right now about Maxwell Street. I like cooking, canning, serving people and make people happy and dry the tears from their eyes. It is so many of us that is not able to buy the new and expensive clothes, food and furniture.
Mr. Broski, give us a chance. This is from my heart. I have a serious illness and my heart go out to everyone who is sad in Chicago because of the changes in our city. We have so many people sick because they have to eat anything. I will show you how to feed every race, creed or kind and make them happy and even you will feel proud of me. I am a 77 years old (3-9-21). Meet with me if it is just you and me and let me explain something to you. I believe God will let me stay here long enough to see you do it because he kept me here, but if I don't make it, I hope some one give you this letter. This is a personal letter to you. Let me tell you why I got these Blues and it will save a lots of people from going down in its ground so soon. Let me feel free. I am alone but I haven't given up.
Tell me what are you gonna do? I want to hear from you soon. Show me your love because I think you are a great man. God loves all of us.
Be Good,
Johnnie Mae Dunson
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