by Percy Ollie Jr.
On Friday, August 28, Malcolm X College and City Colleges of Chicago gathered on Chicago’s West Side to celebrate the legacy of U.S. Congressman Danny K. Davis, officially naming the new Malcolm X College West Campus Community Center in his honor.
The ceremony brought together an impressive gathering of elected officials, college leadership, community leaders, students, supporters, and other esteemed guests. Among those in attendance was Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, joining a number of public officials and community leaders who came to recognize Congressman Davis and his decades of service to Chicago.
Throughout his career, Congressman Davis has helped secure millions of dollars in funding benefiting Malcolm X College and its West Campus, supporting campus renovations, childcare, technology labs, study abroad opportunities, and other resources designed to strengthen the student experience.
The newly expanded West Campus represents a $17.5 million investment in both education and the surrounding Austin and Garfield Park communities. The project adds approximately 3,000 square feet of training and learning space while creating new recreational and meeting areas for students and community members. The expansion also has the potential to increase the satellite campus’s capacity by 50 percent, serving approximately 2,000 students annually.
Beyond the speeches and formal dedication, the afternoon was filled with moments that reflected the relationships Congressman Davis has built throughout his career. I had the opportunity to capture some of those moments—from conversations and embraces to laughter, applause, and interactions between Congressman Davis and the many leaders and guests who came to celebrate alongside him.
For a public servant who has represented Illinois’ 7th Congressional District since 1997, the dedication was more than the unveiling of a name on a building. It was a celebration of a legacy rooted in education, community, and opening doors for generations of Chicagoans.
