CCC History: Silent Heroes

The keys to building a strong and solid Chesterfield Community are unity and strength. Today, Chesterfield is a community in which its' residents can be proud of and appreciate. It has a population of 9,915 residents, 98 percent being black. The average age range is from 21 to 64 years old, which comprises 60 percent of the population. Sixty nine percent of the residents are homeowners, with properties exceeding $85,000. The average Chesterfield resident has at least two years of college education. Little recognition does this community receive. This great community has risen to achieve and strive for excellence in neighbors and their neighborhood. The Community has had many silent heroes such as:

The late Bennie Stewart - former Alderman of the 21st Ward and Congressman for the first Congressional District.

The late Alice Mayfield - Community Activist and newspaper vendor for 29 years on 87th & King Drive.

Constance Howard - former board member of the Chesterfield Community Council and State Representative in the Illinois House of Representatives. She also serves as a State Central Committeewomen

Daniel Watkins - former owner and operator of Watkins Furs, one of the first Black furriers in the downtown business area.

The late James Isabel - former Insurance executive and director of the Beatrice Coffey, Youth Foundation.

And many others including, Mrs. Charles Dansby, Vernon Brookins, Margaret Curry, Robert Jordan, Claude Jack and many, many more.