Englewood Gets A Memorable Comical Relief

Rashanah Baldwin and Ernest Sanders
Published: February 28, 2012

Comedian and actor, Bernie Mac was honored Tuesday morning with a street dedication in his name at 69th & Sangamon where he grew up as a child in the Englewood community.

Je'Niece and Rhonda McCullough. (Daughter and Wife of Bernie Mac)

Ernie Sanders (GADC)

Amongst the crowd of residents and fans included Rhonda McCullough and Je'Niece McCullough the wife and daughter of the late comedian Bernie Mac.

69^th and Sangamon is not only the street Mac grew up, but the location of his former elementary school, D.S. Wenworth. The ceremony included performances from the D.S Wenworth Cheerleaders, and kind words from Ms. Effie McHenry former D.S. Wenworth principal, Ald. Latasha Thomas, Ald. Willie Cochran, Rev. Jesse Jackson and Father Pfleger to name a few.

Chicago Comedians like Damion Williams, Baldhead, Reggie Red and Chicago Radio Personality Tony Sculfield were present and shared memorable moments of Mac.

Ernie Sanders (GADC)

Williams vividly recalled memories of his mentor and being the opening act for the Kings of Comedy Tour that stared Bernie Mac.

Mac first got his start in doing comedy on the South Side of Chicago and often came back to his community Englewood. Mac was not only known for being a talented comedian but also a cheerful giver to his community Englewood and the Chicago Public School system through his public service work. Mac who was born Bernard McCullough passed away in August of 2008.

In sharing fond memories of Mac, Radio Personality Tony Sculfield stated that laughter and love was the spirit of Bernie Mac and hopefully his block 69th and Sangamon will become full of laughter and love.

Keywords: 17th ward, Bernard McCullough, Bernie Mac, Ceremony, Chicago Aldermans, Chicago Comedians, Chicago's Southside, Comedian, Comedy, D.S. Wenworth, Damon Williams, Dedication, Englewood, Kings of Comedy, Rev. Jesse Jackson