0 DEMPSEY J. TRAVIS FOUNDATION

The Dempsey J. Travis Foundation has been a long time, steadfast supporter of City Colleges of Chicago Foundation and City Colleges of Chicago students. The foundation memorializes the life and work of Mr. Travis who was the founder and president of Travis Realty Corporation, a prominent Chicago real estate development firm committed to the revitalization of neighborhoods on the South Side. Mr. Travis believed that individuals can “lift themselves from their bootstraps” and become successful, impactful leaders in their communities given the support and opportunity. We are grateful for the opportunities they have provided to address the emerging needs of our students. We are so grateful to Mr. Larry Wolfe and all the Dempsey J. Travis Foundation Board of Trustees.

DEMPSEY JEROME TRAVIS
Businessman
As an entrepreneur, Travis sought to revitalize African-American neighborhoods in Chicago. Travis Realty Company, which he founded in 1949, and Sivart Mortgage Company, which he founded four years later, increased the availability of mortgages for African Americans. Together, the two companies worked to sell properties located in the Chicago area to African Americans who were being displaced by urban renewal projects. In 1961, Travis founded the United Mortgage Bankers of America and served as its president until 1974. During the late 1960s and early 1970s, Travis served on President Richard Nixon’s Housing Task Force and President Gerald Ford’s Task Force on Urban Renewal.

Activist
Travis was also involved with the civil rights movement, and while serving as president of the NAACP Chicago chapter in 1959 he coordinated Martin Luther King Jr.’s first civil rights march in Chicago on July 24, 1960.

Columbia Roosevelt, City Colleges of Chicago, Chicago State, United Negro Fund, Illinois CPA Fund, the Mary T Washington Wylie fund part of the CPA fund.. She was the first female African American CPA who lived in Chicago. Travis has probably impacted 1000’s of students over his lifetime and afterwards.

DID YOU KNOW?
Mr. Travis was an author and wrote over 30 books I believe. His last book he authored I believe he was in his late 80’s which was about President Obama who officed at one of Mr. Travis buildings at 87th Street.
Mr. Travis was a strong believer of education. During his lifetime he would interview students and provide scholarships out of his pocket to students in the intercity.
Mr. Travis was an accomplished musician and enjoyed the jazz scene.
Mr. Travis financed most of the African American politicians in Chicago from the 60’s through his life time
Mr. Travis helped build the southside of Chicago- He was involved in real estate as a developer.

Many of his pictures from his office were donated to the DuSable Museum. During his lifetime he gave me a pen that Richard Nixon signed for him which was used to sign Housing Act

Travis was instrumental in the Civil Rights movement in Chicago. He kept a low profile and supported financially all of the black political figures.