Note: The Chicago Daily Defender is Chicago's oldest and main African-American newspaper. It was founded by in 1905 by Robert S. Abbott. Mr. Abbott was pioneer in the civil rights cause and actively encouraged African-Americans from the deep South to migrate to Chicago. Part of the reason for the large influx of African-Americans to Maxwell Street and other Chicago neighborhoods was due to the efforts of Mr. Abbott.

Akin to Beale Street in Memphis, it is an important home of the blues. The Maxwell Street area has spawned many historic music artifacts, including the late Little Walter Jacobs, Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf, several specialty shops, including "zoot suit" clothing, stores, a record store that markets rare blues offerings -- and of course, the world-famous Maxwell Street Polish sausage that people have made a run across borders for.

Now all that and more stands in danger of falling victim to the wrecking ball as the University of Illinois plans to clear more land for expansion of its campus, and student housing.

While no is particularly against UIC expansion, some 40 historic buildings in the Maxwell Street area should be preserved for posterity and history's sake.

"This is Chicago's oldest, integrated neighborhood and is the birthplace of urban electric blues," said Steve Balkin, a Roosevelt University professor who is vice president of the Maxwell Street Historic Preservation Coalition.

"There was and is great blues in Chicago on the South Side and on the West Side and we would like to see Maxwell Street as a gateway to encourage people to visit all blues historic sites throughout the entire Chicago area."

A note to all blues and history aficionados: You can help save the Maxwell Street Historic District by calling or faxing Mayor Daley immediately asking him to halt the demolitions in the Maxwell Street area. (312.744-4000). Ask for 311 public comments. Make sure you call is logged in. The fax is (312) 744-2324.

The District is a crucial part of Chicago history that should not be arbitrarily destroyed.

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