Richard Hunt

Richard Hunt was a famous sculptor who spent his life and career in Chicago. He designed soaring sculptures from metal, many of which are monuments to figures and events of the Civil Rights Movement and African-American history. He has installations of more than 160 public sculptures across the United States. Richard Hunt was the first African-American visual artist to be appointed to the National Council on the Arts (1968, Lyndon B. Johnson).

He grew up in the Woodlawn and Englewood neighborhoods on the South Side of Chicago. A defining event in his life was at age 19 when he attended the funeral of his neighbor, Emmitt Till, a 14- year old black teenager from Chicago who was lynched and murdered while visiting Mississippi in 1955. Five years later, while serving in the U.S. Army he was the first African-American to be served at a desegregated lunch counter in Alamo Plaza, Texas.

Richard Hunt has numerous awards and honorary degrees. One of his last sculptures was Book Bird, the first artwork commissioned for the Obama Presidential Center.

Veteran: Army

Alum:
The Art Institute of Chicago
South Side Community Arts Center (SSCAC)

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A walking tour of select Richard Hunt sculptures in Chicago
https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/01/07/richard-hunt-sculpture-guide

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Honorary Richard Hunt Place

North Lincoln Avenue and West Wrightwood Avenue

 

Approved: April 2024

Ward: 43
Alderman: Knudsen
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park

b. September 12, 1935 in Chicago
d. December 16, 2023. Age 88.

Near:
Richard Hunt Studio
Lincoln Avenue at Lill Avenue

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Source

2024

https://www.richardhuntsculptor.com/obituary

https://blockclubchicago.org/2024/02/29/remembering-richard-hunt-the-legendary-sculptor-who-inspired-artists-in-chicago-and-beyond/

Shel Silverstein

Shel Silverstein was most famous for his children’s books; he was also a cartoonist, a poet, a playwright, and a song writer.

His books include: The Giving Tree (1964), Where the Sidewalk Ends (1974), A Light in the Attic (1981), Falling Up (1996), Uncle Shelby’s ABZ Book, among others.

He also wrote songs performed by: Johnny Cash “A Boy Named Sue,” Emmylou Harris “Queen of the Silver Dollar,” and The Irish Rovers “Unicorn Song.” He collaborated on the David Mamet screenplay Things Change (1988).

Shel Silverstein won two Grammy Awards, and was nominated for Academy Awards and Golden Globe Awards. He was inducted into the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame (2014), and the Songwriters Hall of Fame (2002).

WHEN I AM GONE
When I am gone what will you do?
Who will write and draw for you?
Someone smarter—someone new?
Someone better—maybe YOU!

- Shel Silverstein

Veteran: Army. Served in Japan and Korea

Alum:
Theodore Roosevelt High School, Albany Park - Chicago
University of Illinois
Chicago Academy of Fine Arts

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Honorary Shel Silverstein WAY

Northwest Corner of North Kimball Avenue and West Wilson Avenue - to the Southeast Corner of West Wilson Avenue and North St. Louis Avenue

 

Approved: March 2024

Ward: 33
Alderman: Rodriguez-Sanchez
Neighborhood: Albany Park

b. September 25, 1930 in Chicago
d. May 10, 1999. Age 67. Key West, Florida

Near:
Theodore Roosevelt High School
3436 W. Wilson Avenue

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Source

20247233

https://www.shelsilverstein.com/about-shel/

https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/shel-silverstein

https://www.nytimes.com/1999/05/11/books/shel-silverstein-zany-writer-and-cartoonist-dies-at-67.html

Ernest & Gloria Jenkins

Ernest “Ernie” & Gloria Jenkins were founding members of the Westside Association for Community Action (WACA), a community development corporation since 1973. The group serves the Lawndale neighborhood and provides juvenile justice intervention for at risk youth, and food for families. Ernie was CEO of WACA until 2009

Ernest served in the US Air Force. Ernest and Gloria worked as a consultants in market research and human relations and sensitivity training. Ernest became Executive Director of Programs for West YMCA: Austin and Southside YMCA, and in 1971 joined the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago to organize community self-help groups. He has won numerous awards for his service.

Gloria was a social worker at Chicago Youth Centers (CYC) and led a program for at-risk teenage girls. She was Executive Director of Urban Programs West YMCA and later served various roles at YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago. She served in an advisory capacity for multiple organizations promoting African-Americans and women.

Veteran: Ernest - US Air Force

Alum
Ernest: Aurora University (formerly George Williams College)
Gloria: Governors State University

Faith
Chicago Temple United Methodist Church

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Honorary Mrs. Ernest & Gloria Jenkins WAY

West Ogden Avenue, between Central Park and Millard Street

 

Approved: March 2023

Ward: 24
Alderman: Scott
Neighborhood: North Lawndale

b. Ernest: Dec 30 1929. Mississippi
Gloria: in Chicago

d. Gloria: January 3, 2006
Ernest: January 2, 2018

Near: Westside Association for Community Action (WACA)
3600 W. Ogden

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Source

2023986
IL-100-SR1294
IL-94-SR0566

https://wacanetwork.org/

Darius D'Arco Teague

Darius D'Arco Teague served overseas as an Army Automated Logistical Specialist CRS in 2014; he was awarded several medals: National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal. Korea Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Overseas Service.

Darius grew up in Chicago and played football at Al Raby College Prep. He died as a result of gun violence.

Veteran: Army

Alum
John M. Smith Elementary School
Al Raby College Prep
Harold Washington College

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Honorary Darius D'Arco Teague WAY

South Morgan Street between West 14th Street and West 14th Place

 

Approved: February 2023

Ward: 25
Alderman: Sigcho-Lopez
Neighborhood: West Loop

b. November 4, 1991 in Chicago
d. October 30, 2021. Age 29

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Source

2023893

https://gunmemorial.org/2021/10/18/darius-darco-cool-teague

https://abc7chicago.com/darius-teague-chicago-shooting-digital-billboard-crime/11731278/

https://wgntv.com/news/chicagocrime/6-months-after-fatal-shooting-of-chicago-vet-crime-remains-unsolved/

Adolfo 'Shabba Doo' Quinones

Aldofo Quinones “Shabba Doo” was one of the dancers who made the Locking style of dance famous and is considered by many to be “The Godfather of Street Dance.” He and his sister, Fawn, were dancers on the groundbreaking television show “Soul Train.” He was known as “Shabba Doo” and he was one of the founding members of the Lockers, until it disbanded in 1976. His breakthrough role as an actor was when he played Ozone in the films Breakin’ (1984) and Breakin 2: Electric Boogaloo (1984). He directed and appeared in “Rave - Dancing to a Different Beat” (1993). Shabba Doo appeared in several movies in and was an innovator in dance and choreography for movies, television, and music videos through the 1980s; including videos for Madonna (Who’s That Girl, 1987), Lionel Richie, Luther Vandross, Chaka Khan (1984), and Three 6 Mafia’s performance at the Academy Awards (2006).

He was born in Chicago to African American and Puerto Rican parents, and was raised in the Cabrini-Green housing projects. He moved to Los Angeles in the 1970s when Soul Train relocated to LA from Chicago.

Adolfo is considered the Godfather of Street Dance which ushered in break dancing in the 1980s and the genre of Hip Hop music.

Alum:
Cooley Vocational High School
Lincoln Park High School (Previously Robert A Waller High School)

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Honorary Adolfo 'Shabba Doo' Quinones Way

The intersection of West Ohio Street and North Wolcott Avenue, on the northeast corner of the Intersection (at 600 N Wolcott Ave and 1900 W Ohio St

Northeast corner of West Ohio Street and North Wolcott Avenue

 

Approved: December 2022

Ward: 1
Alderman: La Spata
Neighborhood: West Town

b. May 11, 1955
d. December 29, 2020. Age 65.

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Source
Wikipedia - Shabba Doo

20222966 revised to 20223713

Mary Delores Espinosa-Matos

Mary Delores Espinosa-Matos was a preschool teacher at El Hogar del Nino, in the Pilsen neighborhood. She began teaching in 1985 and dedicated her life to helping migrant families.

Alum:

Roosevelt University
Richards Vocational High School

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Honorary Mary Delores Espinosa-Matos Way

West 19th Street from South Racine Ave to South Allport

 

Approved: April 2022

Ward: 25
Alderman: Sigcho-Lopez
Neighborhood: Pilsen

b. October 7, 1948 in Chicago
d. February 22, 2002 Age 53.

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Source

https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2002-02-26-0202260162-story.html

2022832

Louis Albert Fitzgerald, Jr.

Louis Fitzgerald was a life-long civic servant in Chicago. Regional Director of the Midwest Division for the US Department of Labor. He also served on the Chatham Avalon Community Council. Louis was a talk show host of “Conversation Peace” on Channel 26. He also hosted talk radio shows on WIND and WVON.

Veteran: Army

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Honorary Louis Albert Fitzgerald, Jr. Way

Honore Street, from South 84th Street to South 86th Street

 

Approved: April 2022

Ward: 21
Alderman: Brookins
Neighborhood: Auburn Gresham

b. January 26, 1929 in Chicago
d.

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Source

2022912

Big Tom (Thomas F. Markham, Jr.)

Thomas F. Markham, Jr was a very popular, multi-sport coach in the Clearing neighborhood at St. Symphorosa Catholic School. At 6 feet, 6 inches in height - he was known by all as “Big Tom.” Sports was always part of his life and the grand legacy that he passed on to his children and all the young athletes he coached through the years.

Tom grew up on the southwest side of Chicago

Alumnus:

Grimes School
De LaSalle High School
Northern Michigan University

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Honorary Big Tom Way

6000 block of South Melvina Avenue

 

Approved: March 2022

Ward: 13
Alderman: Quinn
Neighborhood: Clear Ridge

b. July 4, 1957
d. 2017. Age 59

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Source

2022619

Richard Driehaus

Richard Herman Driehaus was one of the most influential people in mutual fund investing. He founded Driehaus Securities in 1979 and Driehaus Capital Management in 1982. He was born and raised in Brainerd neighborhood on Chicago’s southwest side, to a family of modest means. He became one of the top financiers and philanthropist in Chicago.

Beauty, harmony, and context are hallmarks of classical architecture, thus fostering communities, enhancing the quality of our shared environment, and developing sustainable solutions through traditional materials.” —Richard H. Driehaus

He, and the Driehaus Foundation, engaged in philanthropy, especially historic preservation, classical architecture, collecting, the arts, and education. The Driehaus Museum is an exceptional mansion restored inside and out to the Guilded Age and a decorative arts. He initiated the Richard H. Driehaus Prize for Architecture. Even though he was not an architect, he was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award 2015 from American Institute of Architects. He was also honored with the Order of Lincoln Award in 2017, the highest honor bestowed by the State of Illinois.

Alumnus:
DePaul University
University of Illinois at Chicago
Southeast Junior College
St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic School

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Honorary Richard Driehaus Way

East Erie Street between Wabash Street and Rush Street

 

Approved:

Ward:
Alderman:
Neighborhood:

Near the Driehaus Museum
40 East Erie Street

b. July 27, 1942 in Chicago
d. March 9, 2021. Age 78 in Chicago

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Source: New York Times Obituary

Driehaus Capital Management, About Richard Driehaus

Dr. Lester Fisher

Dr. Lester Fisher was the first veterinarian and director of the Lincoln Park Zoo from 1962 to 1992. He led the zoo to become a leading institution in Chicago and among zoos around the world. Under his leadership the zoo developed habitats, not just cages, for animals. He also led conservation efforts and plans for species survival - he specialized in primates.

Dr Fisher appeared regularly on televisions shows including: Zoo Parade, Bozo’s Circus, and the Ray Rayner Show “Ark in the Park” segment.

Lester Fisher was born in Chicago and served in WWII as a veterinarian; among his duties were treating General Patton’s bull terrier, Willie.

Veteran: WWII. Army

Alumni:
University of Iowa

Autobiography: Dr. Fisher’s Life on the Ark

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Honorary Dr. Lester Fisher Way

Stockton Drive at the Ridge Connecting Drive bridge. Outside the Lincoln Park Zoo

 

Approved:

Ward:
Alderman:
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park

b. February 24, 1921
d. December 22, 2021. Age 100

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Source

Archbishop Lucius Hall

Lucius Hall was the founded of the First Church of Love and Faith, in Chicago’s Auburn-Gresham Neighborhood in 1980, one year after becoming a minister. Lucius was the Executive Director of the Head Start program at his church. In 2010 he became an Archbishop by the Metropolitan Spiritual Churches of Christ, inc. For twenty years (1990-2010) he was the Executive Director of Chicago Gospel Fest. During the same timeframe, he served as Chairman of City of Chicago Personnel and Human Resources Board under two Chicago Mayors.

Music was a huge part of Lucius’ life and his ministry. As a teenager he was a radio announcer and later the Channel 26 WCIU producer and host of the “Rock of Ages Gospel Hour.” In 1979 he founded the Broadcast Ministries Alliance, and later hosted the groups Cable TV program.

After serving in the US Army he had a thirty year career with the Veterans Administration. He became a minister in 1979 and founded or co-founded several programs and organizations including: one of the first food pantries in his neighborhood, and an international organization of US and West African churches - The First Spiritual Churches of Truth, Inc.

Veteran: Army, Military Police

Born in Chicago

Alumni:
Burke Grade School
DuSable High School
University of Illinois at Chicago
Gospel Outreach Theological Institute. Houston, TX (Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree)

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Honorary Archbishop Lucius Hall

West 79th Street, between South Seeley Avenue and South Hamilton Avenue

 

Approved: February 2021

Ward: 18
Alderman: Curtis
Neighborhood: Auburn-Gresham

d. April 2, 2020. Age 87.

The First Church of Love and Faith
2140 West 79th Street

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Source
Chicago Sun-Times
Chicago Crusader

'Majic' Juan Suarez Way

Juan Suarez was a very popular DJ of House and Freestyle on WCYC in 1984, and later WCEV, and WRLL radio. Juan was born in Chicago and grew up in the Little Village neighborhood. At age 9 he lost his sight, but that did not stop him from pursuing the life in music he loved. He started his career as a DJ, spinning vinyl records at age 20.

Born in Chicago

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Honorary 'Majic' Juan Suarez Way

West 28th Street, from South Lawndale Avenue to South Ridgeway Avenue

 

Approved: January 2021

Ward: 22
Alderman: Rodriguez
Neighborhood: Little Village

b. May 26, 1965. Chicago
d. November 17, 2020. Age 55. Cancer and COVID

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Source

Phil Doran Way

Phil Doran, Sr. was a life-long Chicagoan from the Beverly neighborhood. He and his wife met in grade school. He was a lawyer and was active in his community and parish as a committed volunteer and former Chairman of the Board of the Franciscan Outreach.

Alumni:
Christ the King Elementary School and Parish
St. Ignatius High School
John Carroll University
Northwestern University - Law

Born in Chicago

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Honorary Phil Doran Way

South Hamilton Avenue, between West 92nd Street and West 93rd Street

 

Approved: 2020

Ward: 19
Alderman: O’Shea
Neighborhood: Beverly

b. November 6, 1940. Chicago
d. September 18, 2020. Age 79.

Near
Christ the King Church

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Source

Beverly Review

Roslyn and Seymour Simon Circle

Seymour F. Simon was the Chief Justice on the Illinois Supreme Court, former Cook County Board President, and former Alderman of the 40th Ward. He became known for his dissenting opinions in court, and against Mayor and the party line. Roslyn started her own corporate gifts business after the death of her first husband. She is also a was a former Radio City Music Hall Rockette and competed in the Miss America Pagent as Miss Philadelphia.

Alumni (Seymour):
Roosevelt High School
Northwestern University
Northwestern Law

Veteran: Navy, WWII

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Honorary Roslyn and Seymour Simon Circle

North Avenue Parkway at Sheridan Road

Approved:

Ward:
Alderman:
Neighborhood: Old Town/Gold Coast

Seymour
b. August 10, 1915. Chicago
d. September 2006. Age 91. Chicago

Roslyn
b. 2015
d. April 12, 2007. Age 91. Chicago

 

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Source

Source

CFD Terrence Collins Way

Terrence Collins was a retired Battalion Chief in the Chicago Fire Department. He had a 37-year career as a firefighter. He was always willing be of service and to help someone in need. He was awarded the highest honor awarded by the City of Chicago, the Lambert Tree Medal in 1981 for saving the lives of two children from a fire.

Alumni
St. Gabriel’s Elementary School
Tilden High School

Veteran: Navy, airplane mechanic

Awards: Lambert Tree Medal from the City of Chicago

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Honorary CFD Battalion Chief Terrence Collins Way

5700 South Nordica Avenue

 

Approved: October 2020

Ward: 23
Alderman: Tabares
Neighborhood: Garfield Ridge

Revised: November 2020

b. March 4, 1943
d. August 2, 2020. Age 77

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Source

Joseph Muntaner Way

Joseph Muntaner was a construction contractor and super volunteer to the 1st Ward and his church, St. Bonaventure. He was very dedicated and loyal and took his work very seriously, whether it was shoveling snow or removing graffiti.

Alumni:
Mather High School

Born in Chicago

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Honorary Joseph Muntaner Way

West Diversey between North Leavitt Street and Western Avenue

 

Approved: 2018

Ward: 1
Alderman: Moreno
Neighborhood: Logan Square

b. August 19, 1958. Chicago
d. May 14, 2017. Chicago

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Source

Joseph Muntaner

Neftali Reyes, Jr. Way

Neftali “Buzzo” Reyes was 19 years old, he graduated with honors from Roberto Clemente High School in the Humboldt Park neighborhood. He was a star athlete and an outstanding sportsman for the Wildcats. It was his dream to be a Major League Baseball Pitcher. Neftali was on a full scholarship at Claflin University in South Carolina. He was at home in Chicago for the holidays and recovering from a sports injury when a stranded friend called in need of a ride late one night. Neftali became the innocent victim of a shooting.

Alumni:
Roberto Clemente Community Academy High School

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Honorary Netfali “Buzzo” Reyes, Jr. Way

1000 and 1100 blocks of West Luis Muniz Marin Drive

 

Approved: April 2020

Ward: 26
Alderman: Maldonado
Neighborhood: Humboldt Park

b. May 3, 1998. Chicago
d. December 29, 2017. Age 19.

Near
Little Cubs Field in Humboldt Park

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Source

Disney Family Avenue

Walt Disney, and his brother Roy, were born in Chicago in a house built by their parents. Their father, Elias, was a carpenter. He built the family house, he also worked on the 1893 World Fair in Chicago and he told his children stories about the Fair.

Disney is best known for his animated films and theme parks. As an individual Walt won 22 Oscars and was nominated for an Academy award 59 times. He also won 2 Golden Globe Awards and an Emmy.

Born in Chicago: Walt, 1901; Roy, 1893

Alumni
McKinley High School. Chicago
predecessor to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago

WWI Red Cross Ambulance Driver

www.thewaltdisneybirthplace.org

Walt Disney grew up in a house in Chicago's Hermosa neighborhood at 2156 N. Tripp Ave., which was built in 1893. The new homeowners have made several renovat...

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Honorary Disney Family Avenue

North Tripp Street between West Armitage Avenue and West Fullerton Avenue

 

Approved: May 2016

Ward: 35
Alderman: Ramirez-Rosa
Neighborhood: Hermosa

Walt Disney’s Birthplace
2156 N. Tripp Avenue

Walter Elias Disney
b. December 5, 1901. Chicago
d. December 15, 1966. Age 65. Los Angeles, California

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Photo credits: Kari Carbone karicarbone.com

Walt Disney Birthplace and Facebook page and Wikipedia and IMDB
A Cinderella story for Walt Disney's childhood home - Chicago Tribune

Ivan de Jesus Reyes Way

Ivan de Jesus Reyes was born in Chicago and raised in the Pilsen neighborhood who worked as a Senior Pharmacy Technician. He graduated with a degree in Biology which he put to use as a researcher at the University of Illinois, studying plant invasive species which had applications in agriculture and renewable energy. In his community he was known as an active volunteer, a great neighbor, and huge baseball fan. He was a member of the congregation at St. Pius V Catholic Church. His diagnosis with cancer at age 31 did not dampen his outlook on life nor his role as a mentor and volunteer at the local YMCA and Harrison Park.

Alumni:
Cooper Elementary School
Whitney Young High School
Northeastern Illinois University

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Honorary Ivan de Jesus Reyes Way

 

West 21st Place between South Paulina Street and West 21st Street

Approved: 2020

Ward: 25
Alderman: Byron Sigcho-Lopez
Neighborhood: Pilsen

b. October 3, 1983. Chicago
d. July 12, 2016. Chicago

Fr. Larry Duris Way

Father Larry Duris dedicated himself to the African-American community and to Catholic life and education. He was ordained by John Cardinal Cody, Archbishop of Chicago. Since 2009, Fr. Duris was pastor at St. Ailbe’s Catholic Church on Chicago’s far south side, and unofficially and spontaneously with parishioners and neighbors at the local grocery store. Before St. Ailbe’s he served in 5 other Chicago area parishes. Fr. Duris had a fascination with African-American history, arts, and music; he was known to be a very good pianist.

In January of 2016 he was presented the Pope John XXIII Award for Outstanding Ministry by the Association of Chicago Priests.

Alumni:
St. Anthony School in Cicero
St. Peter Catholic School in Skokie
Quigley Preparatory Seminary in Chicago
University of St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein

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Honorary Fr. Larry Duris Way

9015 S. Harper Avenue. South Harper Avenue from 90th to 91st Street

 

Approved: April 2019

Ward: 8
Alderman: Michelle Harris
Neighborhood: Calumet Heights

Born in Chicago
d. 2018 age 74

Near St. Ailbe’s Catholic Church
9015 S. Harper Avenue

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Source