South Suburban Human Relations (SHURE) Council papers

Biography/Profile

The South Suburban Human Relations Council (SHURE) began between 1962 and 1963 when a group of women, emerging from a pair of workshops sponsored by the National Conference for Christians and Jews, decided to work together to promote more positive race relations in South Cook County. A volunteer organization, SHURE was founded by activists Betty Peterson and Madeline Bonsignor. Over the years, it grew from a handful of people who met regularly in south suburban homes to a large umbrella organization with members from over fifty South suburban communities. Eventually SHURE had grown so large that it encompassed many smaller and more functional splinter groups. In fact, the growing autonomy of these groups was part of the reason for SHURE's eventual dissolution in 1972; at this time, it became clear that the organization had become more of a means of informational exchange between its separate splinter groups and less of a single collective.

During the time that it was active, SHURE approached its goal of improved race relations though programs and projects geared towards education, housing, youth and political activism. In order to promote an increased awareness of race issues, SHURE sponsored book drives and tutoring services, developed workshops, hosted conferences, established youth recreational programs, published guides and fought for anti-discriminatory housing policies. Additionally, SHURE took an active role in the politics of its time, encouraging both law enforcement officials and legislators to be sensitive to race issues. SHURE also worked closely with activist organizations such as the Harvey League of Women Voters, the Tri-City Human Relations Council, and the NAACP to combat racial discrimination.