Katanya Raby

Stories

Chicago names Woodlawn street for civil rights leader Al Raby

Leading preservation of her grandfather's legacy

Chicago dedicated the 6300 block of South Cottage Grove Avenue as Al Raby Way on Oct. 16, 2026, and Mayor Brandon Johnson proclaimed Feb. 19, 2027, as Al Raby Day. Raby organized the 1963 Freedom Day boycott, when more than 200,000 Chicago students stayed home to protest segregated schools.

Updated Oct 21

Notable Quotes

"My grandfather was a teacher first. He saw every day what his students were being denied."

from Chicago names Woodlawn street for civil rights leader Al Raby · Updated Oct 21

"He spent a considerable amount of time under the 'L' on 63rd, so it was really important that we try to [dedicate a street] in proximity to the places that he started and got his footing."

from Chicago names Woodlawn street for civil rights leader Al Raby · Updated Oct 21