About Chicago Bee Branch

Neighborhood Served

  • Bronzeville

History

  • Chicago Bee Branch opened in the Chicago Bee building in May 1996.
  • The building was built between 1929 and 1932. It was designed in the art deco style and financed by Anthony Overton (1865-1946), a community businessman and entrepreneur.
    • Overton published the Chicago Bee, a Bronzeville community newspaper, and marketed African American beauty products.

Artwork

  • Chicago Bee Branch features artwork funded through the Percent for Art Ordinance administered by the City of Chicago Public Art Program:
    • a painting by Gregg Spears
    • a sculpture by Derek Webster
    • photographs by Carrie Mae Weems