O’Quinn Family Papers

The O’Quinn Family is known for the O’Quinn Royal Gladiators Drum and Bugle Corps, which they founded in 1962. The Corps “posted the colors” in numerous community and city events, won awards and traveled nationwide, while providing recreation and training for hundreds of boys and girls. The Drum and Bugle Corps evolved out of the Fine Arts Academy organized by the O’Quinn’s in 1953. The Academy offered cultural education and a community studio for young people in the Lawndale community, including drama, music, dance, talent shows, parades, tutoring, counseling, job placement and arts and crafts.

John William O’Quinn was born in Larmon, Mississippi and attended Southern Christian College and Alcorn College before coming to Chicago. He served with the Navy in World War II. He graduated from the Chicago Barber College and was the owner and manager of the Triple Q Barbershop at 1218 S. Central Park Avenue in Lawndale. He served as scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop #3365 and participated extensively in other scout-related activities, earning a Distinguished Silver Beaver Award in 1973. In addition to his involvement with Boy Scouts, the Fine Arts Academy and the Drum and Bugle Corps, Mr. O’Quinn was active in numerous community and youth organizations, including American Legion Posts #896 (Robert Brooks) and #1268 (Crispus Attucks), the American Boys Commonwealth, the Maxwell Street YMCA, the O’Quinn Community Center, the Boys Brotherhood Republic, Reading is Fundamental and the Westside Citizens Organization. He was chairman of the Sears Art Festival parade committee and taught Sunday school. Mr. O’Quinn was the first black to run for Alderman of the 24th Ward. He died in 1996. In 1940, he married Cleodia Lyndon Dawkins.

Cleodia Lyndon Dawkins O’Quinn’s community involvement has been equally extensive. Born in Sedalia, Mississippi, she attended Herzl Junior College and the Chicago Teachers College, holds a doctorate in theology and is a licensed evangelist. Like her husband, she was involved with the Drum and Bugle Corps, the Fine Arts Academy, the American Legion and scouting. She served as director of teacher training for the Boy Scouts of America. In 1960 she was elected vice-mayor of Lawndale, a post she held for ten years. She represented Lawndale at the Conference of Women of Africa and African Descent (Ghana, 1960). Her activities included leadership education, the Lawndale Women’s League, the Lawndale Professional Matrons and the Maxwell Street YMCA. She died around 2011.