Both Rotary meetings on Wednesday, July 24 featured an extremely interesting and thought provoking presentation by Todd Maxman, a Social Studies teacher at New Trier. Todd has done a deep dive into the history of why there are so few black families living in north suburban communities. His presentation included newspaper articles, federal mortgage maps and other historical data (from our communities' historical societies) from the early 1900's that chronicled efforts to force African American families to move from the northern suburbs and discourage black families from moving into these communities.
He presented a number of interesting points including a story about New Trier's famed indoor pool, Built in the 1920's, black students were not allowed to swim in it until the 1950's. Todd indicated that New Trier officials and school board have made inclusion and equity a stronger focus over the ensuing years, and are continuing in this realm.