Seeking Chicago Roller Skaters 50 & Older for a Roller Skating Project
August 14th, 2011 by ShortyIf you know of 50-somethings and older who used to roller skate in Chicago, or who still does, please let me know. I am having the hardest time finding anything on roller skating, so any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
In the meantime, check out the late Dr. Margaret Burroughs, the Founder of DuSable Museum of African American History, as she skates in her 90s.
Thanks for your help!
Dr. Margaret Burroughs: In Her Own Words – A Day-Long Celebration! – December 11, 2010
December 8th, 2010 by Shorty
On Saturday, December 11th, The DuSable Museum of African American History will honor the life and legacy of its Founder, Dr. Margaret Taylor Goss Burroughs with a Celebration entitled “In Her Own Words” from 10:00am – 5:00pm.
The “family-friendly” program will also feature children’s workshops, including storytelling and art. Special musical and spoken word performances are also on the schedule and visitors will be able to leave their own tribute to Dr. Burroughs who was a teacher, mentor, friend and “mother figure” to thousands.
Admission to this event is FREE, however visitors are encouraged to either make a donation to the museum, or purchase a membership. DuSable Museum is located at 740 East 56th Place in Chicago’s Hyde Park Community.
Shorty’s Memories of Dr. Margaret Burroughs
November 23rd, 2010 by Shorty
I had the opportunity to have a one-on-one Dr. Margaret Burroughs last year and was truly honored just to be in her presence. We discussed many things during our interview, but there were two things that she emphasized: education and leaving a legacy.
While I thought I understood what it meant to leave a legacy, I didn’t understand the impact of leaving one until I got word that Dr. Burroughs had passed away on Sunday, November 21st. Now, I get it.
From our short time together, she quickly became my favorite living legend. I was in totally inspired and I felt on top of the world after leaving her presence. Allow me to share a few words of wisdom she left me during our interview.
1. The most important thing in life is to do things you enjoy.
2. Everyone has a gift of creativity; you have to bring it out.
3. You have to keep busy if you want to stay alive.
4. Advice to young people: LEARN LEARN LEARN and READ READ READ.
5. Don’t give up hope. Identify your goals in life and move toward them. Don’t let anyone discourage you.
Dr. Margaret Burroughs & Me
I would be remiss if some of her accomplishments were not listed:
- Co-founder of the DuSable Museum of African American History – the 1st African American museum in the United States and in Chicago
- Co-founder of the South Side Community Arts Center in Chicago;
- The recipient of many honorary degrees including an honorary doctorate degree from the Art Institute of Chicago, her alma mater;
- The “grandmother” of the Park Board in Chicago. Appointed by the late Harold Washington, she was the longest serving member on the board;
- She taught art classes at Statesville Prison once a week. AND she roller skates!!!! You read correctly. Dr. Burroughs gets her roll on! She says that she still has to learn how to go backward!
Needless to say, Dr. Margaret Burroughs will be missed.
Dr. Margaret T. Burroughs Gallery at South Shore Cultural Center
February 23rd, 2010 by ShortyToday the Dr. Margaret T. Burroughs Gallery was revealed to the world. Located inside the South Shore Cultural Center, Dr. Burroughs’ artwork dating back to the 1950s as well as some of her many accomplishments and accolades (you should see the wall!) are some of the treasures found at the gallery.
I won’t go into her accomplishments because there are many of them. However, I would like to share a few reasons why I adore this phenomenal woman.
Dr. Burroughs is 92 years old and still teaches art classes at the prison, goes bowling and roller skates. Yes, roller skate! She is officially my favorite role model on this side of heaven (next to my mother, of course).
Mayor Daley & Dr. Burroughs
Dr. Burroughs & Shorty
Check out the gallery as soon as you can. The South Shore Cultural Center is located at 7059 South Shore Drive.