Ernie Banks' CTA commute from Chatham to Wrigley traces Black Chicago history

Ernie Banks, the first African American player for the Chicago Cubs, lived in Chatham and commuted north on the CTA because segregation limited where he could live. He later served on the Chicago Transit Authority board and died in 2015.

Ernie Banks became the first African American player for the Chicago Cubs in 1953. He lived in Chatham on the South Side and regularly rode the CTA northbound to Wrigley Field. At the time, segregation and redlining prevented him from living on the North Side. Later in life he served on the Chicago Transit Authority board and remained connected to transit issues; he died in 2015. What is known: - Banks was the first African American player for the Chicago Cubs, debuting in 1953. - He lived in Chatham and commuted on the CTA to reach Wrigley Field. - Segregation and redlining in midcentury Chicago prevented him from living on the North Side. - He later served on the CTA board and died in 2015. Summary: Banks' daily commute is viewed as a living timeline of Black Chicago, linking a history of enforced separation to later civic leadership and cultural recognition. Undetermined at this time.