After a complaint filed by the Chicago Crusader, the U.S. Postmaster has launched an investigation into the Henry W. McGee, Sr. Post Office after a letter carrier refused to deliver mail to a 48-unit Hyde Park building owned by Gurvayse Wilkes, president of J & F Management Co., because she saw a wasp.
Located at 4601 S. Cottage Grove, the post office was named after McGee, Chicago’s first Black postmaster in 1966, a position typically held by whites at that time. McGee was appointed by President Lyndon B. Johnson, according to Blacknews.com. He joined the post office in 1929, hired as a temporary substitute clerk, and became a full-time postal clerk in 1935. McGee died of cancer on March 18, 2021, at his Hyde Park home.
Wilkes, who owns the building in the 800 block of 53rd Street, has been trying to reach a representative of that post office branch for weeks. “I have called and have not been able to reach any representative to discuss this issue regarding their ‘stop delivery order’ that is affecting 61 people in my building,” she told the Chicago Crusader.
When she learned the letter carrier had posted a sign on the entrance to her building stating, “WASPS! No mail/package delivery,” she was furious and vowed to take on the post office on behalf of her tenants.