Judge Threatens Settlement Over DuSable Museum Lawsuit

Court warns Black history museum to comply with settlement agreement over unpaid janitorial services

Apr. 3, 2026 at 8:19pm

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A minimalist studio still life photograph featuring a stack of financial documents, a brass desk lamp, and a polished wooden gavel, symbolizing the legal and financial challenges facing the DuSable Black History Museum.The DuSable Black History Museum faces legal and financial pressures as it works to resolve a lawsuit over unpaid janitorial services.Chicago Today

A judge has threatened to enter a judgment against the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center if it violates the terms of a settlement agreement with a Black-owned janitorial company that sued the museum for over $52,000 in unpaid work. The museum previously faced allegations of failing to pay employees and vendors, and the judge's warning aims to hold the institution accountable.

Why it matters

The DuSable Museum is a prominent cultural institution in Chicago, and this lawsuit highlights ongoing financial challenges and allegations of mismanagement that have plagued the museum in recent years. The judge's threat of a settlement violation underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability at the museum to ensure it can continue serving the community.

The details

In 2025, Atlas BPS, a Black-owned janitorial firm, filed a lawsuit against the DuSable Museum alleging it owed the company nearly $53,000 for unpaid work and that the museum had hired Atlas BPS employees without consent. After months of court hearings, the two parties reached a settlement agreement, the details of which were not disclosed. However, the judge warned that if the museum violates the settlement, a judgment will be entered against it.

  • In 2025, Atlas BPS filed a lawsuit against the DuSable Museum.
  • On February 26, 2026, the two parties reached a settlement agreement.
  • On March 31, 2026, the judge threatened to order a judgment against the museum if it violates the settlement agreement.
  • The full payment of the settlement is expected by May 30, 2026.

The players

Judge Jonathan Green

The Cook County Circuit Court judge presiding over the case between the DuSable Museum and Atlas BPS.

Atlas BPS

A Black-owned janitorial firm that filed a lawsuit against the DuSable Museum for over $52,000 in unpaid work.

Paul Dejoie

The owner of Atlas BPS, the Black janitorial firm that sued the DuSable Museum.

Joyce Navarro

The attorney representing Atlas BPS in the lawsuit against the DuSable Museum.

Cecil Lucy

The attorney representing the DuSable Museum in the lawsuit with Atlas BPS.

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What they’re saying

“If the settlement is breached, then a judgment will be entered.”

— Judge Jonathan Green, Cook County Circuit Court Judge

“I've never had to sue to get my pay...It's shameful, just shameful.”

— Paul Dejoie, Owner, Atlas BPS

What’s next

The judge did not schedule another status hearing, but told Atlas BPS's attorney to file a motion to dismiss the lawsuit once the full settlement payment is made by the DuSable Museum on May 30, 2026.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing financial challenges and allegations of mismanagement that have plagued the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center, a prominent cultural institution in Chicago. The judge's threat of a settlement violation underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability at the museum to ensure it can continue serving the community.