However, over the next decade the racial composition of the neighborhood changed radically and by the 2000 census African Americans had become the largest racial group comprising 53% of the population, with Hispanic and Non-Hispanic whites groups accounting for 35% and 10% respectively. There are also Jewish and Palestinian communities in the neighborhood. Some Irish, Poles, and Lithuanians still remain too, although most have moved further south and west. Many of the Lithuanians and Poles have reestablished their communities in Lemont.

Arab community

By the 1920s Arabs immigrated to Chicago, and political turmoil in the decades following the 1948 creation of Israel brought more Palestinian Muslims to Chicago. Arab families live in Chicago Lawn and Gage Park Neighborhoods. Arab community founded Chicago Islamic Center and Mosque on 63rd. Many Middle Eastern store and restaurant near Mosque area. Arab families come from Palestine, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon. In the 1950s, Palestinians with families moved out of their boardinghouses and shops and into apartments and homes just west of Chicago's "Black Belt." By the 1970s, they formed a concentrated residential community in Gage Park and Chicago Lawn, on the South Side, and had established a business district with stores catering to Arab clientele. Arab community founded Chicago Islamic Center and Mosque on 63rd. Many Middle Eastern store and restaurant near the Mosque area. Chicago's largest concentration of Palestinians still lives in these areas and in the communities to the south and west of them.

Education

Chicago Public Schools operates public schools in the neighborhood.

  • zoned K-8 schools and elementary schools serving sections of Chicago Lawn include Claremont, Eberhart, Fairfield, Marquette, McKay, Morrill, Tarkington, Tonti, Hernandez, and Sandoval.
  • Most of the community is zoned to Gage Park High School. Some sections are zoned to Harper High School, Hubbard High School, and another high school. A small segment to the southwest is zoned to Bogan High School.

The Chicago Public Library Chicago Lawn Branch, dedicated on December 1, 1960, serves the community.

Politics

The Chicago Lawn community area has supported the Democratic Party in the past two presidential elections. In the 2016 presidential election, the Chicago Lawn cast 13,959 votes for Hillary Clinton and cast 609 votes for Donald Trump (93.87% to 4.10%). In the 2012 presidential election, Chicago Lawn cast 15,171 votes for Barack Obama and cast 682 votes for Mitt Romney (95.24% to 4.28%).

Notable residents

  • Mike Disa (born 1965), film director, screenwriter, and animator. He was raised near Marquette Park.
  • Carl L. Klein, member of the Illinois House of Representatives. He resided at 6428 South Francisco Avenue during his legislative tenure.
  • Tom McAvoy (1951–2019), Republican politician who served in the Illinois House of Representatives. The son of Walter McAvoy, he was a childhood resident of Chicago Lawn and resided there for a portion of his political career.
  • Walter C. McAvoy (1904–1990), Republican politician who served in the Illinois House of Representatives. He resided in Chicago Lawn during his political career.
  • Alex Meneses (born 1965), actress and Playboy model best known for her roles on the television series Everybody Loves Raymond, Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman and Telenovela. She was raised in Marquette Park.
  • Tony Piet (1906–1981), baseball player whose professional career included time with the Chicago White Sox.
  • Michael Peña (born 1976), actor and musician, winner of an Imagen Awards for his portrayal of activist César Chávez in the film César Chávez. After living in Chicago's North Lawndale neighborhood, he and his family moved to Marquette Park in 1986.
  • John C. Reilly (born 1965), actor and comedian, nominated for an Academy Award for performance in 2002 musical film Chicago. He was raised in Marquette Park.

References

Notes

Further reading

  • Kathleen J. Headley. Images of America: Chicago Lawn/Marquette Manor. Chicago: Tempus, Inc., 2001.
  • "Population change creates 'new' Chicago Lawn." New Communities Program. John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur, 2003. Accessed 30 Sept. 2009.
  • Chicago Zip Code and Neighborhood Map
  • Chicago Park District – Marquette Park
  • Chicago's Marquette Park Area Community Website