Hyde Park High School has a rich history of producing outstanding alumni, and this is especially true when it comes to its black male graduates. From trailblazers in politics to renowned musicians, Hyde Park High has produced some of the most accomplished and inspiring black men in America. In this blog post, we will highlight a few of these remarkable individuals and their achievements. Lerone Bennett Jr. Lerone Bennett Jr. was a prominent journalist and historian who graduated from Hyde Park High in 1940. He worked for Ebony magazine for over 50 years and authored numerous books, including “Before the Mayflower: A History of Black America,” which is widely regarded as a seminal work on African American history. Timuel Black Timuel Black is a civil rights activist, educator, and historian who graduated from Hyde Park High in 1937. He has been a leading figure in the struggle for civil rights for over 70 years and has worked closely with prominent figures such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Barack Obama. Chaka Khan Chaka Khan is a legendary singer and songwriter who graduated from Hyde Park High in 1970. Known for her powerful voice and soulful music, she has won ten Grammy Awards and sold over 70 million records worldwide. Bernie Mac Bernie Mac was a beloved comedian and actor who graduated from Hyde Park High in 1975. He starred in numerous films and television shows, including “The Bernie Mac Show” and “Ocean’s Eleven.” Harry Edwards Harry Edwards is a sociologist and civil rights activist who graduated from Hyde Park High in 1960. He is best known for his work as an advisor to athletes and for his role in organizing the Olympic Project for Human Rights, which aimed to protest racism in sports during the 1968 Summer Olympics. These are just a few examples of the many black men who have made significant contributions to society after graduating from Hyde Park High School.
Their achievements serve as a reminder of the immense talent and potential that can be found in every corner of our communities, and of the importance of providing equal opportunities for all to succeed.