Oscar Stanton De Priest House, National Historic Landmark in Grand Boulevard, Chicago, United States
Oscar Stanton De Priest House is a three-story brick apartment building at South Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. The facade displays rectangular window bays, decorative flower boxes, and contains eight residential units.
Oscar Stanton De Priest, the first Black congressman from a northern state, moved into a second-floor apartment in 1929. He lived there until his death in 1951, using his position to introduce anti-discrimination legislation in Congress.
The building shows how successful Black families established themselves in the North and claimed their place in the community. Choosing this home was itself a statement about self-determination and social advancement.
The building stands in a residential neighborhood on Chicago's South Side and can be viewed from the street. Keep in mind that this is a private residence, so viewing is limited to the exterior.
De Priest was not only a politician but also a businessman who opened his office to the community. This activity made the building an informal meeting place for political and business matters within the Black community.
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