The Great Migration: Bronzeville History

For decades, the Stock Yards made Chicago the center of the American meat packing industry, processing more meat than anywhere else in the world. Global companies owned by figures like Gustavus Swift and Philip Armour relied heavily on African Americans, who held many of the slaughterhouse jobs. We honor the resilience of these laborers, who navigated profound challenges. During the violent 1919 race riots, it became too dangerous for African Americans to travel to the Stock Yards; in response, meat packing companies sent their pay to the Wabash Y.M.C.A. in Bronzeville for safe distribution.