Chicago Journal

Bronzeville blues

Two dozen Friends of the Checkerboard Lounge protested December 10 outside the Administration Building. The Bronzeville group formed in response to plans to relocate the blues landmark, closed since April because of code violations, to Hyde Park. Checkerboard proprietor L. C. Thurman has signed a letter of intent with the University to reopen the club at 5201 S. Harper Ave. The protesters, hearing rumors that the University (which hasn’t publicized its negotiations) had offered cheaper rent than the Bronzeville location’s owner, argued that the University was “stealing” the club away from Bronzeville. But Thurman said the move from 43rd Street made sense. While Chicago students had frequented the club, Thurman told the Sun-Times, many of the rally-goers hadn’t “been in the club to buy one beer.”—A.M.B.

Photo by Dan Dry