East St. Louis has always been known for her share of pioneers, characters and eccentric figures.
On the world stage, East Boogie produced the likes of Olympian Jackie Joyner-Kersee as well as jazz icon Miles Davis.
However, there are those who have made significant contributions to the very fabric, rhythm and history of ESL, yet fall under the radar, unless, of course, one happens to be a member of the community.
Two such individuals, Will McGaughy and Frank Childress, recently passed away.
However, their individual contributions and presence within the community made an impact on the lives of East St. Louisians, as well as the region.
Will McGaughy’s signature license plate, “WILL DO,” captured the true essence of his spirit. McGaughy, 79, served in numerous capacities over a 40-year span: St. Clair County Board, East St. Louis Township Supervisor, precinct committeeman and, most recently, member of the school board for ESL School District 189.
But, political old-timers will vividly recall the time, back in 1977, when McGaughy rounded-up a truck full of stray dogs from ESL and released them on the public square of Belleville in protest of the lack of pound services and animal control in East Louis.
Then there was another similar stunt in which McGaughy, dressed as the biblical character Moses, admonished the power brokers of St. Clair County to “Let my people go” as he sought to bring better services to the taxpayers of ESL.
His methods were eccentric and confrontational but, to an extent, effective. In the 1970s, McGaughy was even responsible for bringing a health clinic, bearing his name, to ESL.
So there was a method to his madness and no one, friend or foe, can ever doubt his commitment to the youth and senior citizens of ESL.
The other passing of note was that of Frank Childress. Childress,70, the husband of former ESL Mayor Debra Powell, worked in both the administrations of Mayors Gordon Bush and Debra Powell. He was the founder and creator of the Casino Queen Community Development Foundation, which was instrumental in assisting residents in opening small businesses.
However, Childress will be best remembered for his pioneering efforts in ESL radio and cable television. He created the template for the dissemination of news and information with shows such as “The East St. Louis Daily News” and the popular “Voices of the People,” a live, call-in show addressing the politics and community issues of East St. Louis, Centreville and Washington Park, Illinois.
A former Black Panther and engineer, Childress used both backgrounds in spurring both community organization and entrepreneurial endeavors in ESL.
Both McGaughy and Childress will be missed, as well as their spirit and commitment to resurrecting what has, sadly, become an increasingly destitute political and social landscape in the community of East St. Louis.
Email: jtingram_1960@yahoo.com.