This wall contains the names of many who came from the South to Chicago. The wall was evidently painted as part of the Uptown Educational Program of the Southern Culture Exchange Center. Ever since Paul Revere, groups have been calling themselves “Midnight Riders.” They include political activists, bikers, sports teams, rock bands, messenger services and more. Several readers have written me to say that these “Midnight Riders” were the people who painted the mural. Two said the list is not accurate. Some who painted did not get their names on the mural; others who did not paint DID get recognition. One reader who worked on the mural says the purpose was to help deter other graffiti. Two readers said that about twenty of the kids on this list died before they reached fifty.
