Barry Batson, Sr. was a Chicago Police Officer assigned to protect Martin Luther King, Jr. when the Reverend moved to Chicago in the late 1960s. Officer Batson would drive Martin Luther King to and from the airport, and was at his side at large public events, including Dr. King’s speech at Soldier Field. At the time there were many threats to Dr. King’s life. Late in Officer Batson’s career he was a community service officer who coached sports in the parks to kids and inspired them through his stories of Dr. King.

Honorary Officer Barry D. Batson, Sr. Way

Central Park Drive between Lake Street and Carroll Avenue

Approved: June 2018

Ward: 28
Alderman: Ervin
Neighborhood: Austin

b. December 7, 1934
d. May 29, 2005. Age 70.

Near
Garfield Park Conservatory

Source

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