An essential part of Chicago history and culture, DuSable High School located on the city’s South Side was granted landmark status by the City Council last fall.

This Friday, May 3, the institution, which remains a staple in the education and lives of Bronzeville residents, will pay tribute to state government officials that were essential in gaining landmark status for DuSable.

Among the notable public servants being honored for their efforts is State Sen. Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago).

“I am grateful for the recognition on behalf of DuSable High and the Alumni Coalition of my efforts to help our school and our community realize this great accomplishment,” Hunter said. “DuSable has always been a critical part of the 3rd District and I am truly humbled to have participated in achieving this much deserved honor for this Chicago gem.”

DuSable, named after Chicago’s first black settler and founded in response to the 1935 Wendell Phillips High School (then the city’s only predominately black high school) fire, is the first predominately African American high school in Chicago to be presented with such a prestigious honor.

Carrying a tradition worthy of its pioneer namesake, DuSable has served as the catalyst for numerous African American leaders and cultural icons such as Chicago’s first black mayor Harold Washington, a plethora of jazz legends including Nat “King” Cole, comedy great Redd Foxx,  renowned television producer and “Soul Train” host  Don Cornelius and Ebony/Jet Magazine CEO John H. Johnson.

“Just as Mayor Emanuel noted when he presented the plaque commemorating DuSable’s landmark status this past Wednesday, the list of celebrities and American icons these hallowed halls produced is impressive,” Hunter continued, “but this school’s significance is much more than that. It has been a cornerstone of our community and education of Chicago’s youth for nearly eight decades, and I am glad that we are finally recognizing this institution as a city landmark.”