Ada Sophia Dennison McKinley, born on June 26, 1868, was an African American educator and settlement house worker in Chicago. She was the founder of the South Side Settlement House for returning World War I soldiers, and anyone in need of job training, food, shelter and overall support. The settlement house was later named in her honor as Ada S. McKinley Community Services. She passed away at the age of 83 on August 25, 1952, just hours after the dedication for new headquarters at 100 E. 34th Street in Chicago. Her gravesite is at Oak Woods Cemetery on 67th Street just east of Cottage Grove in Chicago. The monument in her honor stands next to the monument for Chicago Mayor Harold Washington.
We look forward to exploring more into the life and legacy of our trailblazing founder and honoring her during our upcoming 100th Anniversary in 2019.
