Tom Shaka<Tel + Fax (040) 525 23 86 > Date: Tue, 2 Apr 1998
Dear Chancellor Broski:
I am a 45 year old expatriate American musician who has been living and performing in Europe since 1989. On a recent tour through Switzerland, I was approached by some young blues fans who were very concerned about the buying-up and developing of the old Maxwell Street neighborhood by the University of Illinois. The University obviously sees this as a form of progress. Those of us in the blues community, however, see it rather as destruction of an important cultural and traditional landmark.
I've been aware of the Maxwell Street issue for some time now. But when these young people approached and asked whether I would support their initiative by submitting a letter, I realized that it was my moral duty to do so. I have often been impressed and amazed by the knowledge of, and devotion to, the rich American cultural heritage and musical art form known as the blues which many European fans have displayed. I've had the feeling for a long while that these American roots are more deeply valued and appreciated by many foreigners than they are by most Americans. Its very sad to see many of these important and valued historical landmarks being ruthlessly destroyed. In the name of what? Progress?
It seems to me that the priorities of modern day society are very much out of balance, when money and power become the Gods of society, indifferent (and even oblivious) to moral and ethical values and principles, then society loses. Chicago (Maxwell Street) is just one small but important example. There are many more. When vast stretches of the Mississippi Delta are transformed into giant gambling casinos, without regard for the cultural - historical background and musical legacy of the areas, society becomes a little poorer for it even though the money-flow in the area may have increased. I=m not denying that money has its place in the world. It most certainly does. Its a question of the right balance and priorities. We must learn that commerce isn't everything.
When entire neighborhoods, where many older folks had lived all their lives, were uprooted and destroyed just to make parking space for the Summer Olympics in Atlanta, society became a little poorer. In my estimation these things are crimes. They may be juristically legal and even have the blessing of the government, but that doesn't make it morally right.
So, I send this letter in the hopes that a Maxwell Street Historical Preservation District will be incorporated in the University of Illinois= plans for commercial development of the Maxwell Street area. Let us please preserve the last remaining blocks along South Halsted Street and along Maxwell Street, to be fixed-up for a historical district to honor Chicago Jewish History, the Great Migration from the Mississippi Delta, Mexican Immigrant History, and the Blues History of Chicago. I (we) appeal to your hearts and thank you for your kind attention.
Sincerely and Bluesingly,
Tom Shaka
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