Celebrating Black History Month

David Paul Jones and his wife, Martha, were Skokie’s first Black homeowners in 1961. David, a graduate of the University of Illinois and Loyola University Chicago, went on to become active in the village’s civic life, serving for many years on its Human Relations Commission and on its Board of Fire and Police Commission.

Despite some initial resistance to their move, the Joneses soon became recognized as pillars of the community. David served on the Village of Skokie’s Human Relations Commission, played a role in the passing of Illinois’ first Fair Housing Act, and served for decades on the board of Skokie’s Fire and Police Commissioners. Both David and Martha Jones were also active members of the Skokie Caucus and St. Joan of Arc Parish.

Martha, 88, died in 2022, David, 93, died in 2025, both having lived in Skokie from 1961 to 2019. This month we celebrate the Jones' civic contributions, as they helped pave the way for Skokie's incredibly diverse community today.

Thanks to the Skokie Heritage Museum for the valuable research and information provided for this story.