Marion Stamps facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Marion Stamps
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1982 photograph of Stamps speaking at a Chicago city forum
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| Born |
M. Marion Adams
May 28, 1945 Jackson, Mississippi, U.S.
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| Died | August 28, 1996 (aged 51) Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
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| Other names | Queen Nzinga Sister Marion Mother Marion Queen of Cabrini Mother of Cabrini |
| Citizenship | United States |
| Occupation | Activist Member of Illinois chapter Black Panther Party |
| Organization | Chicago Housing Tenants Organization |
| Known for | Activism against the displacement and treatment of Cabrini-Green housing project residents in Chicago. |
Marion Nzinga Stamps (born M. Marion Adams; May 28, 1945 – August 28, 1996) was an African-American community activist. She worked hard for the rights of people living in public housing. Her main focus was the Cabrini-Green housing project in Chicago, Illinois.
Marion Stamps helped elect Chicago's first African-American mayor, Harold Washington. She did this by organizing a huge effort to get people to register to vote in 1983. She was very determined to make sure that people living in public housing had a say about their difficult living conditions. In 1993, Stamps started working with many gang leaders in Chicago. Her goal was to help stop the growing violence. In 1994, she and others successfully created the only citywide gang truce in Chicago's history.
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Early Life and Civil Rights Work
Marion Stamps was born in Jackson, Mississippi. She became involved in the civil rights movement when she was only 13 years old. She was guided by her neighbor, the famous civil rights activist Medgar Evers. Their goal was to help integrate the Jackson Public Library. Through this important work, she learned a lot from civil rights activist and gospel singer Mahalia Jackson.
Fighting for Housing Rights
Stamps moved to Chicago in 1963. She quickly joined the local civil rights movement there. She moved into the Cabrini-Green housing project at 1230 North Burling Avenue. This is where she began her fight for better living conditions. She also worked on many other issues faced by Cabrini residents.
Starting the Chicago Housing Tenants Organization
Living conditions in Cabrini-Green were often very poor. Because of this, a group of residents, including Marion Stamps, created the Chicago Housing Tenants Organization (CHTO). The CHTO worked against the housing department. They addressed major problems with the buildings. Stamps's work grew to include housing issues all over the city. In the 1980s, Stamps worked with other housing rights groups. Her efforts became known nationwide. She played a big part in the first and only successful nationwide rent strike against HUD.
Joining the Black Panther Party
Marion Stamps's work caught the attention of many powerful civil rights activists. She joined William Darden and his organization on the west side of Chicago. She helped organize and inspire many people during Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s time in Chicago. Stamps was more radical than some. She became a member of the Black Panther Party. She worked alongside Fred Hampton and Mark Clark on the north side of Chicago. Stamps also worked with the Party's Rainbow Coalition. This group included the Young Patriots and Young Lords. She also volunteered for Illinois U.S. representative Cardiss Collins during her campaign in 1978.
Working with Mayors of Chicago
Stamps often took strong actions that sometimes angered Chicago mayors. She helped organize a boycott of the 1982 and 1983 ChicagoFests. These events were created by Chicago mayor Michael Bilandic in 1978.
When Chicago mayor Jane Byrne moved into the Cabrini-Green project for 30 days in March 1981, she said she wanted to improve conditions. Stamps and a group of residents noticed the mayor leaving the development every evening. This showed that she was not actually staying overnight. Mayor Byrne ended her stay at Cabrini after an Easter celebration on April 18, 1981.
In 1983, Stamps upset newly elected Mayor Harold Washington. She tried to organize a rent strike with other Chicago Housing Authority residents. They complained about poor maintenance. Stamps and Washington later solved the problem. They had a strong relationship until Washington died in 1987.
Helping with Cabrini's Future
In the months before she passed away, Stamps changed her mind about redevelopment plans for Cabrini. She worked with residents during this process. She began a successful collaboration with residents from several Cabrini buildings. During this time, Stamps worked to get HOPE VI funding. This funding helped residents who were moving from public housing.
Running for Office
In 1995, Marion Stamps ran for alderman in Chicago's 27th Ward. However, she lost to Walter Burnett, Jr. This was one of the most expensive aldermanic elections in Chicago. After the election, Stamps planned to move back to Jackson, Mississippi. She wanted to help care for her sick father.
Family and Lasting Impact
Marion Stamps was born with a heart condition. This condition became worse over time. She passed away in her sleep on August 28, 1996. She was a mother to five daughters. All of her daughters became active in their communities. They worked as teachers, youth program directors, and in juvenile justice in neighborhoods that needed help. Her youngest daughter became the director of the Marion Nzinga Stamps Youth Center. This center is in the Near-North neighborhood of Chicago.
