U.S. Rep. Rush remembers legacy and contributions of African American business pioneers Dempsey Travis and Frederick D. Sengstacke

CHICAGO - U.S. Rep. Bobby L. Rush (IL-01)  recalled the legacy and contributions of two African American business giants, real estate tycoon and historian Dempsey Travis, who died July 2 at age 89, and, former Chicago Defender Publisher Frederick D. Sengstacke, who passed away July 1 at age 91.  He said both men will be immortalized as champions for economic and social progress for African Americans throughout the nation.

Travis, a stockyards worker's son who rose to become a real estate magnate, civil rights activist, jazz musician and historian, died this past Thursday at his home. As a South Side developer during the 1950s, Travis fought to increase African American home ownership and as a self-made millionaire also helped fund the political career of his high school friend, Harold Washington, who was later elected as Chicago’s first African American mayor.

Sengstacke began his career at the Chicago Defender following service in the United States Army during World War II. He held leadership positions in every department of the newspaper including business manager, production manager, general manager, vice president, president, vice chairman of Sengstacke Enterprises and publisher and chief operating officer. Following his retirement from the newspaper in 2000, he remained as president of the Chicago Defender Charities, and continued as treasurer until his passing.

"In this season of falling icons Chicago has lost two giants of African American progress and business excellence," said Rush. "Dempsey Travis defined his generation with jazz, social activism, economic development and scholarship. He will be remembered for his efforts to bring Chicago its first mayor of color, Harold Washington, and for breaking down the barriers to decent and affordable housing to African American families.

"Fred Sengstacke had not only an eye for news but he also understood the business of news," the congressman continued. "His life represented the hopes and dreams of a people determined to break the bonds of inequality and social injustice. He will be remembered for his contributions to the Black Press and for helping to create and sustain a vehicle for us to tell our stories. I am indebted to both men for their life-long commitment to us all.

"While our city and nation will miss Mr. Travis and Mr. Sengstacke, their legacy of African American success will stand as a shining example to future generations."

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