While Haitan-born trapper and merchant, Jean Baptiste Pointe Du Sable, is often called the “Founder of Chicago,” Jamaican Ephraim Martin, want to honour the memory of his fellow West Indian even further.
Martin, founder of the International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA), recently started a campaign, calling for the installation of a 25-foot monument of the Haitian by 2021. The monument would join the school, park, museum, harbour and bridge that have been named in honour of the pioneer.
“Some may already know that Du Sable was the first settler to discover and establish a trading post in Chicago,” said Martin. “By virtue of his color and nationality, he has not been given full credit and recognition.” Martin hopes to raise the Pointe Du Sable’s profile globally, but particularly among residents of the city.
“There are massive monuments, major streets, holidays in honour of those who oppressed Blacks in America on display throughout the Chicagoland region,” said Martin. “Meaningful, public recognition for this outstanding black man...must also be recognized without question!”