Bill Ferris <bill@barnard.cssc.olemiss.edu>, Date: Tue, 10 Dec 96
Dear Chancellor Broski,
It is with a sense of urgency and deep concern that I write you about the future of Maxwell Street. Our Center for the Study of Southern Culture has assisted with the production of films, books, photography, and articles that deal with this historic district of Chicago. As the heart of Chicago's black community and as a street that is forever tied to the history of the blues, Maxwell Street has an international fame that might be compared with Beale Street in Memphis and Basin Street in New Orleans.
It is unthinkable that civic, education, and business leaders in Chicago could allow the destruction of Maxwell Street. Sadly, however, such will be the fate of this historic district unless leaders like you take a firm position on behalf of the history and culture of your great city.
I urge you to lobby for the creation of a Maxwell Street Historic Preservation District that will be incorporated into The University of Illinois's plans for commercial redevelopment of the Maxwell Street area. Just as the University of Mississippi is forever wedded to William Faulkner's home of Rowan Oak, Maxwell Street will be a catalyst for educational programs within the University of Illinois.
I pledge that I will personally assist you and your colleagues in forging a partnership between the University of Illinois and our Center for the Study of Southern Culture that will enhance the historic ties between Chicago and the Deep South. We have already produced a major film, "Goin' to Chicago," that traces the migrations in this century of black families who traveled from the Deep South to Chicago. Many of the most moving scenes of this film are set on Maxwell Street.
We will enhance this partnership through our "Living Blues" magazine and through the University's Blues Archive. And our "Living Blues" booth at the annual Chicago Blues Festival can focus attention on your programs.
As the head of a great university, you have a rare opportunity to shape a dramatic, initiative for your institution through a relationship to Maxwell Street. Both I and our staff stand ready to assist you in every way in this effort. I encourage you to let me know how I can be of assistance with this historic project.
With very best wishes to you and your family for the holiday season.
Sincerely,
Bill Ferris, Director, Center for the study of Southern Culture, University of Mississippi, <http://www.cssc.olemiss.edu/staff/ferris.html>
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