StreetWise Vendor A. Allen Visits North Lawndale

by A. Allen

The trip I took with our editor, Suzanne Hanney, to the West Side of Chicago, to investigate the landmark where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stayed during his work in Chicago, was historical, exciting and informative.

Going to the same store where Dr. King bought his morning paper was enlightening. It felt like old times, when neighborhood stores were not only service providers, but also family. Edwin Muldrow owns Del-Kar Pharmacy now and his father, the late Edward Jr., saw Dr. King every day when he lived a block away in 1966. Edwin greeted most customers by name and needs. In addition to filling prescriptions, he stocks some convenience items and plans to build a bodega next door, to better serve the community.

It felt like we were smack dab in the 1960s. If you’ve never experienced it, imagine a television show like “Gilligan’s Island” or even “Friends” –with everyone knowing everyone’s name and affiliation. It was happening here at 3726 W. 16th St., in the North Lawndale neighborhood of Chicago.

Edwin told us about the history of 16th Street and showed us the large photos he kept behind the counter. There was the Teen Town youth center at the other end of his block. Another picture showed a store in the middle of the block for Simone Cosmetics, which Edwin said was an alternative to Avon, to give Black women an opportunity for entrepreneurship.

He also pointed out the location of Black Panther headquarters, a block west on 16th Street, across the street from where the Dr. King Legacy Apartments are today, on the site of the rundown apartment where he stayed to be closer to the people.

Edwin also told us about the Black Panther Health Clinic, which was another block west at 16th and Avers. The Black Panthers health clinics across the U.S. in the 1960s and early 1970s were like a predecessor to Obamacare: free, preventive medical care for people who couldn’t afford insurance.

All of this was living history in a two-block radius. I always enjoy reflecting on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for the annual StreetWise Dr. King Birthday edition.

Edwin Muldrow, owner of Del-Kar Pharmacy (left) with StreetWise Vendor A. Allen inside the pharmacy

Suzanne Hanney photo

Photograph on display at Del-Kar Pharmacy: Teen Town youth center

Photograph on display at Del-Kar Pharmacy: Simone Cosmetics