by:Margaret Burroughs
Thornton Township paid tribute to the late Dr. Margaret Burroughs, artist, poet, teacher and co-founder of the DuSable Museum of African American History during their annual Black History Month celebration held on Feb. 25. Those whose lives she touched shared their stories. The celebration also included performances by the Najwa African Dance Group, songs by Ugochi and the reading of two of Dr. Burroughs most well-known poems.
Barbara Horton of Dolton called it a wonderful, inspiring program. Although she never met Dr. Burroughs, Horton learned about her while transcribing her tapes as part of her work study program at Chicago State University. “I was surprised to learn about everything she did and was unaware of her artistic talent,” she said. Some of Dr. Burroughs artwork is now part of the township’s permanent collection which she had donated through the years.
Diane Dinkins-Carr, board president of the Southside Community Art Center said Dr. Burroughs was a wonderful mentor. She recalled visiting Margaret’s kitchen with her parents and hearing her great words of wisdom. “She left great footsteps to follow,” she said. Dinkins-Carr grew up at the art center where her father was the educational director. Dr. Burroughs convinced her to join the board of directors. From there she became president in 1998 and continues to serve in that capacity.
Dr. Burroughs was instrumental in starting the art center because she wanted a place for African American artists to exhibit their work. In 1935 a WPA (Works Project Administration) member told her that if she could find a facility they would fund it. The Southside Community Art Center opened in 1935 at 3831 S. Michigan. When the funding ceased Dr. Burroughs held drives to money to purchase the building and the lot which now has landmark status. Dinkins-Carr has vowed to continue Dr. Burroughs dream of bringing art the community and providing a place where emerging African American artists can become established artists.
Dr. Carol Adams, executive director of the DuSable Museum, said Dr. Burroughs lived her life between her two most well-known poems, What Will Your Legacy Be? and What Should I Tell My Children Who Are Black? That was her inspiration for starting the museum which is celebrating its 50th Anniversary. Dr. Burroughs often spoke of the needs of the community, stating “None will do it for me,” Adams said. She urged those in attendance to go out in the community and do what needs to be done. She added that Dr. Burroughs legacy also included reaching out to those who were imprisoned giving them hope for the future. “She memorialized her love of people by continuing to share her artwork with the community. She was a global activist, artist, and an institution builder,” Adams said.
Phillip London who served as her personal photographer in a volunteer capacity starting working with Dr. Burroughs in 1978 when he was a student. Several years later she asked him to travel with her around the world. Their trips included visits to South Africa and Cuba. “She was like a mother. She always had time to speak with you. She loved meeting the people and always had something to give them,” he said. London shared some of his photos of Dr. Burroughs travels with the township for display and will donate them to the DuSable Museum. He too, carries on Dr. Burroughs legacy by mentoring young people pursuing a career in photography.
David Lowery, Jr., president of the South Suburban Branch of the NAACP, stressed the importance of continuing Dr. Burroughs dream. “We need to focus on our young people. Our children are perishing because they don’t know who they are and where they come from, “he said. “We must teach them.”
The participants thanked Thornton Township Supervisor Frank Zuccarelli and the Human Relations Commission for presenting the Annual Black History Program and for honoring the achievements of Dr. Margaret Burroughs. She was a longtime friend of the township.
