also see <http://www.openair.org/maxwell/pmission.html>.
To advocate for the preservation of the character, heritage, and built environment of the old Maxwell Street neighborhood on Chicago's West Side.
The Maxwell Street neighborhood is significant as the Midwest's largest and most important "port of entry" for international and internal immigrants, especially those of Jewish, African-American, and Mexican-American ancestry. It is also a place where the music known as "Chicago Blues" originated, a musical form that has influenced virtually all of modern popular music.
The Coalition believes preservation and commemoration of this important part of Chicago history is compatible with the legitimate needs and goals of the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), and can be accommodated within the University's plans for redevelopment of the Maxwell Street neighborhood.
UIC has consistently disregarded appeals from concerned citizens and groups to preserve Maxwell Street, and has instead pursued a plan that will obliterate all evidence that the neighborhood ever existed. The Coalition opposes the University's culturally insensitive development plan and is working to educate citizens and decision-makers about the benefits of preserving Maxwell Street for future generations.
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