Elected officials and community leaders, including the legendary Major James Adams, cut the red ribbon during a gala ceremony celebrating the  $2.8 million renovation and grand re-opening of the Major Adams Community Committee (MACC), 125 N. Hoyne on October 16, 2010.

MACC, an affiliate of Chicago Area Project (CAP), is a near west side center that serves youth and families with out-of-school-time programs. The $2.8 million renovation project, funded entirely by the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA), will enable MACC to provide expanded and cutting-edge services for neighborhood young people and their families. 

The event kicked off with a neighborhood parade led by MACC’s Drum and Bugle Corp, which acted like a Pied Piper, attracting children and their parents to the festivities. Dignitaries in attendance included Lewis Jordan, CEO & President, Chicago Housing Authority (CHA), Ald. Walter Burnett (27th Ward), Ald. Robert Fioretti (2nd Ward), State Representative Annazette Collins (D-10), State Senator Rickey R. Hendon (D-5), Ahlain Khouri, Development Manager, CHA, Mark Segal, President, Habitat, Howard Lathan, Associate Executive Director of Chicago Area Project and LAC President Crystal Palmer.

Ken Butler, MACC Director of Special Projects, praised the Chicago Housing Authority under the leadership of CEO and President Lewis Jordan for their role in funding the MACC renovation. “Promises were made and promises were kept,” said Butler.

The ceremony also included a tribute honoring the 88 year-old Major James Adams by Teen Reach member Diamond Houston and a balloon launch tribute to the late David McCool directed by Teen Reach President Shantell Lumpkin. McCool, whose family was in attendance, was remembered as a dedicated MACC program director. “He really loved the club,” said his wife Pat McCool. “Our anniversary was spent here. His birthday—here. My birthday—here. Our kids birthdays—here. We really miss our David.” The MACC’s newly rehabbed gym is being renamed the David McCool Sportatorium.

Immediately following the ribbon cutting there was Registration Fair for local residents interested in registering for MACC’s fall programming. Tours of the new facility were also given, along with a wish list of furnishings and equipment needed to facilitate MACC’s efforts to provide first class services to community youth and their families. Cash and in-kind donations, for example, will provide drums and brass instruments to its expanded Drum and Bugle Corp.

The MACC, as it is affectionately called, has served near west side residents for over 14 years. It is the home of after school homework & tutoring programs, computer classes, focused arts programs such as “Music in Motion,” a drum and bugle corps for 7-12 year olds, the West Haven Junior Journalists camera club, as well as mentoring, sports programs and tournaments. The West Haven community is where the former Henry Horner housing development once stood.

“Mayor Richard M. Daley and the CHA saw fit to honor the lifelong work and dedication of James “Major” Adams by sponsoring the building renovation assuring that Major’s legacy continues,” states co-founder and CEO Keith L. Jackson.

Major, the 88-year-old, WWII veteran, National Jefferson Award Winner and living legend of the Westside, has served his community for over 55 years. The trailblazing specialist in gang intervention and violence prevention started the Hornets drum & bugle corps as his vehicle to keep the kids of the public housing development out of trouble. Currently more than 500 youth participate in the center’s programs annually.

Chicago Aldermen Robert Fioretti (2nd), Walter Burnett (27th) and State Senator Ricky Hendon (5th) joined forces to work with the CHA and the founders of the MACC to make this project a reality.