Lucy Parsons Spray Park + Playlot

TYPE + SIZE

1/4 acre: Playground, spraypark, shaded tables, horshoe court, ADA accessible.

LOCATION

Community: Belmont Cragin

Ward: 30th

Just east of Cicero, on Belmont Ave
4712 W. Belmont Ave. Chicago, Illinois 60641

 

HISTORY FROM THE CHICAGO PARK DISTRICT

Lucy Ella Gonzales Parsons (1853- 1942) is nationally important for her role in labor reform and the efforts for women’s rights. Born of a mixed Native American, African American, and possibly Hispanic heritage, she married Albert Parsons, a labor organizer who became one of the martyrs who was executed after the Haymarket Riot. In 1878, Lucy Parsons helped organize the Working Women’s Union No. 1 (WWU), then the only women workers unions in Chicago. She was a prolific writer on issues related to socialism and labor reform. After her husband’s death, she published Anarchism: Its Philosophy and Scientific Basis, which he wrote in prison while awaiting execution. In 1905, Parsons helped to found the Industrial Workers of the World, along with Eugene Debs and Mother Jones. She was defended by important Chicago leaders collaborated with social reformers such as Jane Addams. At the time of her death, Ms. Parsons lived at 3130 N. Troy (now the Kennedy Expressway), which is ~1 mile from this park site. More info >