Dempsey Travis (February 25, 1920-2009) - As president and founder of the Travis Realty Company, Travis created one of the largest Black owned business in America. As an author and publisher, Travis has produced twenty best selling books on a variety of subjects, including: jazz, Chicago, the Civil Rights Movement, and real estate. In 1960, Travis was instrumental in organizing Martin Luther King Jr's civil rights march in Chicago and since has been a trustee for several organizations, including Northwestern Memorial Hospital, the Chicago Historical Society, and as president of the NAACP Chicago Chapter.

Don Cornelius (September 27, 1936-Present) - After originally airing in Chicago in 1970, Soul Train went on to become one of televisions most influential shows and has enjoyed one of television's longest runs with over 1100 episodes. Cornelius served as host of the show until 1993 and continues today as the show's producer.

Ella Jenkins (August 6, 1924-present) - A legendary performer in the world of folk music, Ms. Jenkins specializes in children's music. In 2004, Jenkins was honored with the Grammy Award for Lifetime Achievement, and again in 2005 for best Children's Album. In the last fifty years, Jenkins has recorded over 30 albums and performed around the world. She has performed frequently on Children's programs like Sesame Street, Mister Rogers Neighborhood, and Barney and Friends.

Gene Ammons (April 14, 1925-1974) - Ammons was the son of Jazz pianist Albert Ammons. He grew up playing around the country with his father and went on to accompany many legendary musicians including Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, and Miles Davis. He is remembered for his unique sound and the ease with which he switched styles.

Harold Washington (April 15, 1922-1987) - Washington served as Mayor of Chicago from 1983-1987 and was the first African-American to hold the office. He started his political career after earning a law degree from Northwestern Univervisty. He served as a State Rep, State Senator, and Illinois Congressman before winning the 1983 election. Washington died shortly after his re-election in 1987.

John H. Johnson (January 19, 1918-2005) -  As founder and CEO of Johnson Publishing Company, Johnson created two of the most popular magazines in the world, Ebony and Jet. He also became the first African American to make the Forbes 400 list of wealthiest individuals. He was awarded the Medal of Freedom by President Clinton in 1996.

Johnny Griffin (April 24, 1928-July 25, 2008) - Griffin began his professional career at 15 playing with T-Bone Walker. By 16 he was touring with Lionel Hampton. He would go on to play with Thelonious Monk and form his own group. He was renowned for his speed and the length of his phrasing. He spent a good deal of his life in Europe playing jazz with musicians passing through.

Lucky Cordell (July 28, 1928-present) - Dubbed the Baron of Bounce, Cordell gained fame as the host of the House of Hits in Gary, Indiana. His star continued to rise when he moved to Chicago an eventually to WVON. Owned by Chess Records at the time, Cordell helped the station gain national prominence with its much-copied R&B format. Cordell ascended to the general managers position, taking the station to new heights.

Mattie Hunter - Full-time state legislator; born June 1 in Chicago; B.A., Government, Monmouth College; M.A., Sociology, Jackson State University; single. Appointments: Co-Chair of Health Policy Task Force, Council of State Governments, Vice Chair of the Commission to Study the Transatlantic Slave Trade and its Past and Present Effects on African-Americans.

Maurice Cheeks (September 8, 1956-present) - Maurice Cheeks played in the NBA for 15 years, most of that time with the Philadelphia 76ers. He helped the 76ers to three NBA Championship Finals, winning one in 1983. He is once again with the 76ers, this time as Head Coach.

Nat King Cole (March 17, 1919-1965) - Born Nathaniel Adams Coles, Cole was a popular singer, songwriter, pianist, and performer. He recorded 28 Gold Records and became the first African-American to host his own television show. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000.

Redd Foxx was born John Elroy Sanford (December 9, 1922-1991) - Foxx was a groundbreaking comedian in his day. His comedy recordings and guest star turns led to his own sitcom in 1971, Sanford and Son. His work earned him 3 Emmy nominations and 4 Golden Globe nominations. He won the 1973 Golden Globe for best TV actor in a comedy.

Ronnie Boykins (December 17, 1935-1980) - Boykins is best known as a member of Sun Ra's band, the Arkestra. He was also a key player on recordings by Muddy Waters, Sarah Vaughan and Sam Rivers, among others.

Timuel Black - In 2003, the first edition of Black's Bridges of Memory was published. The second in the series came out in 2008 and the third is due anytime. The series tells the history of black migration from the south to Chicago. In addition to writing, Black has been an educator for CPS and the city colleges of Chicago and a civic leader helping to organize and lead Dr. Martin Luther King's march on Washington, as well as, voter regsitration for Mayor Washington's campaign.