Support pours in for Chicago historian Timuel Black

Fans from all over the world are sending support and warm messages to historian and Civil Rights activist Timuel Black, who, friends say, is receiving hospice care in his home.

Why it matters: The beloved 102-year-old dedicated his life to documenting Black Chicago history, of which he was a big part.

• Black came to Chicago from Alabama during the Great Migration.
• He fought in World War 2, at both Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge, and wrote three books, including "Sacred Ground: The Chicago Streets of Timuel Black."

This week, friend Lisa Yun Lee started a GoFundMe page to help pay for Black's end-of -life care. The public has responded with more than $77K at press time along with messages of support.

• "[Friend] Susan Klonsky is at his bed right now reading him all the messages," Lee tells Axios. "He is enjoying hearing from everyone — those he has known for decades, students he taught in high school, and even the people he has no idea who they are!"

Lee said he's overwhelmed by the public support.

• "In dark times, it gives us all hope for humankind and it's a big win for community! We were hoping that the world would respond, because of Tim's life and legacy, and they have."