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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE REDEDICATION OF EBENEZER PRIMM TOWERS IN EVANSTON, AND HONORING THE LEGACY OF REVEREND JACOB S. BLAKE
WHEREAS, Ebenezer Primm Towers was the first church sponsored federally funded housing project in a major suburban area. It will be rededicated on Sunday, July 30, 2017. At its rededication, the community will honor the Reverend Jacob S. Blake's pivotal role in making Ebenezer Primm Towers a reality and the powerful legacy of Reverend Blake and Ebenezer AME Church; and
WHEREAS, for decades, prior to arriving in Evanston, Reverend Blake was a leader and a major force for good in the region battling profound injustices, such as redlining, housing discrimination, education inequity and busing. In Evanston, in addition to so many other issues, he worked tirelessly to establish affordable housing for the senior citizens in Evanston, where rents were rising rapidly. The result was the establishment of Ebenezer Primm Towers, which has a proud history that is a reflection of Reverend Blake and his intense determination and strong leadership; and
WHEREAS, Ebenezer Primm Towers came about in an unprecedented real estate deal with Northwestern University. Reverend Blake and Ebenezer AME Church purchased land owned by the university at 25% below market value for $75,000. According to university officials, Northwestern sold the land to the church to foster good community relations and to dispel the notion that the university only expanded in black communities. The Northwestern Black Student Union, the Black Ensemble of Northwestern and the African American Community in Evanston put pressure on the University to sell the land. But there was a catch to the deal, if construction didn't start within 24 months of the sale, Northwestern University could buy the property back. With the clock ticking, funds were raised via several sources. The church got a loan to buy the land and received a grant from the U.S. Department of Housing a...
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