July 26, 2023

Dear friend of the parks,

It is that time of year again! We are right around the corner from our annual DuSable Commemoration honoring the life and efforts of Jean Baptist Pointe DuSable, his wife Kitihawa, and the support they received from indigenous people in founding the City of Chicago.

In recognition of their impact, we are joining the DuSable Park Coalition in a Wreath Laying Ceremony at the bust of DuSable in Pioneer Court just north of the river at 401 N Michigan Ave. We also will honor the vision of Mayor Harold Washington who dedicated the lakefront land as a park to honor DuSable 36 years ago and celebrate the recent announcement from the Mayor’s Office that the Mellon Foundation is supporting a series of monuments that explore the settling of Chicago by Jean Baptiste Pointe Du Sable and the Native Americans who aided him, including his wife, Kitihawa. 

With all the importance and excitement surrounding this event, we decided to double down and incorporate our Walk with FOTP in 2023 August into this celebration. Following the Wreath Laying Ceremony at 11am, there will be a walking tour of Founders Trail. The DuSable Heritage Association will lead the tour, from Michigan Avenue to the future site of DuSable Park. This special edition of Walk with FOTP in 2023 is one you will not want to miss.  

Save the date for August 19, 2023: 

Please join us on August 19 at 11am at the bust of Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable (401 N Michigan Ave) to commemorate the life and work of our city's founders.  

Thanks for your interest and support of our great city’s founders and history. We hope to see you there!

Sincerely,

Gené Moreno

Project Consultant