From blues musicians and singers to sports figures and civil rights icons, the Burr Oak Cemetery, located just outside of the city limits in south suburban Alsip, is the final resting place for a number of prominent Black people. Emmitt Till, the 14-year-old boy from Chicago who was murdered in Mississippi for allegedly whistling at a white woman, is interred at the cemetery.
Others include:
• Noble Drew Ali--prophet and founder of Moorish Science Temple of America
• James Kokomo Arnold--blues musician
• John Henry Barbee--blues musician
• Walter Banes--along with 10 band members, died in the Rhythm Night Club Fire
• Lexie Bigham--actor
• Ezzard Charles--heavyweight boxing champ
• Nathaniel “Sweetwater” Clifton--professional basketball player
• Jimmie Crutchfield--Negro League player
• John Donaldson--Negro League player
• Jodie Edwards--comedian (“Butterbeans and Susie”)
• Earl Hooker--blues guitarist
• Big Walter “Shakey” Horton--blues harmonica player
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