Celebrating the Women Who Built Chicago: An Inspirational Tour

This International Women’s Day, the city of Chicago transforms into a vibrant tapestry of stories celebrating the women whose bravery, vision, and leadership have forged its identity. The “Women Who Built Chicago” tour serves as a poignant reminder of the remarkable women whose contributions were often written out of history, shedding light on their legacies that continue to inspire today.

A Journey Through Time

The tour invites participants to explore neighborhoods and landmarks intimately linked with the lives of nine exceptional women. As attendees walk or ride through the city, they uncover the stories of these trailblazers who broke barriers in education, civil rights, the arts, healthcare, community services, and even sports long before their achievements received the recognition they deserved.

This event is a key component of “The Stories of Us,” a national storytelling initiative by Ancestry. It seeks to honor the ordinary individuals who have collectively driven progress in the United States over the past 250 years, particularly spotlighting women who left an indelible mark on one of America’s major cities.

Highlighting Remarkable Figures

During the tour, participants learn about several pioneering women, including:

• Mary Emerson Haven, who established the Chicago YWCA, providing safe housing and leadership opportunities for women during an era of significant societal challenges.

• Margaret Hie Ding Lin, who made history as one of the first Chinese women doctors in the U.S., breaking through racial and gender barriers in the medical field.

• Marjorie Stewart Joyner, a mentor to countless Black women, known for co-founding the Bud Billiken Day Parade, which remains a cultural staple in Chicago.

One can’t overlook Dinah Washington, revered not only as a talented singer but also as a transformative force in American music whose influence reached far beyond conventional labels.

Preserving History for Future Generations

The tour also emphasizes the work of Vivian Harsh, who pioneered the Special Negro Collection at the Chicago Public Library, preserving a wealth of Black literature and history for generations to come. Additionally, participants will discover the legacy of Margaret Burroughs, whose vision materialized as the DuSable Museum of African American History, enriching the cultural fabric of the city.

Other remarkable figures such as Ada Sophia McKinley, Ella Flagg Young, and Eliza Green Williams Daggett are featured—each notable for their groundbreaking work in social services, education, and professional sports.

Guiding the Experience

Co-led by Ancestry genealogist Nicka Sewell-Smith and Chicago historian Shermann “Dilla” Thomas, the tour intertwines archival records with the actual locations where these women lived and worked. Their collaboration creates a more profound understanding of the challenges these women faced and the communities they uplifted.

Engaging with the Community

Running throughout the month of March, this unique Women’s History Month bus tour can be reserved through the official Eventbrite page, ensuring everyone has a chance to participate in this enlightening experience. Proceeds from the event benefit the YWCA Chicago’s TechGYRLS program, which empowers young women to take on leadership roles in technology and beyond.

This memorable journey not only commemorates women’s contributions but also challenges participants to consider the often-overlooked figures whose bravery and dedication have shaped Chicago’s narrative. The “Women Who Built Chicago” tour serves as a powerful reminder that history is crafted by those who are frequently unrecognized and that the city’s rich tapestry is interwoven with their stories.