Avenida Fiesta del Sol

Fiesta del Sol is the largest Latino community organized block party in the country. In 2022 it celebrated 50 years. It is a free, outdoor community festival which features local vendors, community businesses, and social services; it does not allow alcohol or tobacco sponsorships. Fiesta del Sol hosts 1.3M visitors over 4 days.

Pilsen Neighbors Community Council

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Honorary Avenida Fiesta del Sol

Blue Island Avenue between West Cullerton Street and West 21st Street

 

Approved: June 2022

Ward: 25
Alderman: Sigcho-Lopez
Neighborhood: Pilsen

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Source

2022835

https://www.pilsenneighbors.org/

Elder Roosevelt McCarthy, Jr.

Roosevelt McCarthy, Jr., a.k.a. “Rose” served as an Elder in the Church of God in Christ, in Chicago

He and his family established the Home of the Hoagy Restaurant in the West Pullman / Morgan Park neighborhood in the early 1970s.

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Honorary Elder Roosevelt McCarthy, Jr. Way

1300 West 111th Street

 

Approved: March 2022

Ward: 34
Alderman: Austin
Neighborhood: West Pullman

Home of the Hoagy Restaurant
1316 W. 111th

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Source

2022184

https://www.google.com/maps/uv?pb=!1s0x880e245428d58463%3A0xb56cc110a9d568e2!3m1!7e131!4s!5sHome%20of%20the%20Hoagy!15sCgIgAQ&hl=en-US&imagekey=!1e10!2sAF1QipP0gxCgzONm0fax-fa0Mx5Jra7Rk1ugCadqvfE2

https://home-of-the-hoagy.business.site/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=referral

https://ko-kr.facebook.com/BlackPeopleEats/photos/1637329886651151/

Donald L Seals, Sr.

Donald L. Seals, Sr. was the owner operator of the People’s Choice Grocery Store in the Englewood neighborhood for more than 33 years. He was an active community member who supported children in need with coats, food, and large doses of kindness and consideration. Local Aldermen referred to him as an “Angel of Englewood.”

After high school he enlisted in the Air Force and quickly rose to the rank of Captain and then Fire Chief. He went on to train State Fire Marshalls.

Veteran

U.S. Air Force

Alum

Edmund Burke Elementary School
Hyde Park High School

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Honorary Donald L. Seals, Sr Drive

5500 to 5659 South Princeton Avenue

 

Approved: December 2022

Ward: 16 and 20
Alderman: Coleman (16), Taylor (20)
Neighborhood: Englewood

People’s Choice Grocery Store
5647 S. Princeton Avenue

b. January 1, 1927
d. age 95

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Source
20223738

Gaspar Gomez

Gaspar Gomez was the owner of the Shell service station on the corner of Damen and Division in Wicker Park, which he opened in 1977. Over 40 years his business grew to four location from the original location which ultimately closed in 2017. He was one of the first Latino franchisees and received several corporate awards for excellence and commitment to the community. He sponsored neighborhood festivals such as: Wicker Park Chill Fest and Do Division Street.

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Honorary Gaspar Gomez Way

West Division Street between North Wood Street and North Damen Avenue

 

Approved: December 2022

Ward: 01
Alderman: LaSpata
Neighborhood: Wicker Park

d. July 29, 2022. Age 84

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Source

https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20170829/wicker-park/1950-w-division-shell-gas-station-wicker-park-2017-closing-october-new-apartments/

https://www.legacy.com/funeral-homes/obituaries/name/gaspar-gomez-obituary?pid=202502513&v=batesville

20223763

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

Laurence Michalski

Laurence was a 52-year resident of a bungalow in Edgewater, and ardent supporter of PAWS and animal shelters. He traveled the world, worked on a military base, and retired from the IRS.

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Honorary Laurence Michalski Way

1600 block of West Highland Avenue, from North Clark Ave to North Paulina Avenue

 

Approved: December 2022

Ward: 40
Alderman: Vasquez
Neighborhood: Edgewater

d. July 22, 2022

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Source
20223566

Richard Techman

Richard Techman was a dedicated and active member of his community. He was the president of the Garfield Ridge Civic League, and safety control officer of the Garfield Ridge Community Watch.

Alum
John F, Kennedy High School
Richard d. Daley College
Columbia College Chicago

Member
St. Daniel the Prophet Church

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Honorary Richard Techman Way

South Mobile Avenue from 53rd Street to 54th Street

 

Approved: December 2022

Ward: 23
Alderman: Tabares
Neighborhood: Garfield Ridge

d. October 15, 2022

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Source
20223643

https://www.southwestregionalpublishing.com/2022/11/11/consistent-unwavering-dedication-to-the-community-2/

Gicele Wray-Lindley

Pastor Gigi has been involved in the church since an early age. Her parents were the founding pastors, Esteban and Isabel Wray. She became choir director at the age of 13 and sang solos in the and led praise and worship at age 9. At the age of 23 she was ordained into Evangelist ministry. She and her husband, Omar, have ministered in several states and overseas in Central and South America, and Africa.

She founded and is CEO of a childcare and early learning center which serves hundreds of children; it is called Shining Star Youth and Community Services.

Alum

University of Illinois at Chicago. BA
Master, Human Services
Master, Non-Profit Management and Organizational Leadership
Doctorate, Education in Ethical Leadership

Born in Panama

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Honorary Pastor Gicele Wray-Lindley Way

South Kedzie Avenue between 77th Street and West Columbus Avenue

 

Approved: November 2022

Ward: 18
Alderman: Curtis
Neighborhood: Ashburn

b. Colon, Panama

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Source
20223245

Velma Lois Landry

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Honorary Velma Lois Landry Way

Southeast Corner of West Evergreen Avenue and North Clybourn Avenue

 

Approved: November 2022

Ward: 27
Alderman: Burnett
Neighborhood:

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Source

20222865

Lula Navarro

Lula Navarro was a well known community activist in the Little Village neighborhood of Chicago, where she had been a resident since 1974.

She came to Chicago from Mexico and worked in the garment industry at the age of 14. She lost a finger and her job, and took work as a housekeeper. She participated in demonstrations in South Chicago where she was often the only Mexican woman. Lula was involved in Labor and the Farm Workers Movements and was well known for her campaign to build Benito Juarez High School; she continued her involvement through the support of bilingual education and job opportunities.

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Honorary Lula Navarro Way

South Komensky Avenue, from West 31st Street to West 32nd Street

 

Approved: November 2022

Ward: 22
Alderman: Rodriguez
Neighborhood: Little Village

b. San Luis Potosi, Mexico
d. 2004

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Source

20222848
R815

Big Mike Hughes

Mike Hughes was a 34 year retired veteran of the Chicago Police Department

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Honorary Big Mike Hughes Avenue

South Talman Avenue, between West 108th Street and West 109th Street

 

Approved: November 2022

Ward: 19
Alderman: O'‘Shea
Neighborhood: Beverly

d. February 4, 2022. Age 70.

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Source

https://legacy.suntimes.com/us/obituaries/chicagosuntimes/name/michael-hughes-obituary?id=32787087

20222674

Matt Hooker

Matt Hooker was a wrestling coach who succumbed to cancer in the prime of his life and career.

Alum:
Mt. Carmel High School

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Honorary Matt Hooker Way

West 113th Street, between South Artesian Avenue and South Maplewood Avenue

 

Approved: November 2022

Ward: 19
Alderman: O’Shea
Neighborhood: Morgan Park

d. Age 40

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Source

20222673

OC Sanders

OC Sanders was the owner of Sanders Lounge, an Englewood establishment he opened in 1970 and ran for 51 years.

He was known for hosting events, booze cruises, softball leagues, … and his favorite saying…

Whisky sitting still, don’t may no bills

OC moved to Chicago in 1965 from Utica, Mississippi

Alum:
Utica Junior College (Mississippi)
Crane Business College (Chicago)

Christ Universal Temple

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Honorary OC Sanders Way

700 West 59th Street to 5901 South Halsted Street

 

Approved: November 2022

Ward: 16
Alderman: Coleman
Neighborhood: Englewood

b. July 29, 1942 in Utica, Mississippi
d. November 9, 2021

Sanders Lounge / OC Sanders Back Bar
700 W. 59th Street

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Source

20222633

Charlie "Boot" Allen

Charles Herman “Boot” Allen was a businessman and educator in Chicago. He spent 35 years teaching in the Chicago Public Schools including: Mason Upper Grade, James Bowen High School,

He was the owner and operator of the Presidents Lounge on 75th Street, a popular local bar. Charlie ran an annual “Toys for Tots” campaign and established a scholarship fund for local high school students entering college.

Alum:
Tennesee State A&I University
Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago

Member
Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago

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Honorary Charlie “Boot” Allen Way

East 75th Street, between South Champlain Avenue and South Langley Avenue

 

Approved: September 2022

Ward: 6
Alderman: Sawyer
Neighborhood: Greater Grand Crossing

b. December 10, 1941
d. February 8, 2017. Age 75. in Tennesee

Near: President’s Lounge
653 East 75th Street

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Source

20222185

Ronald Everette McKee, Sr.

Ronald Everett McKee, Sr. aka. Ronnie, Rem, and Coach was a very active community member who coached sports at several Chicago Park District locations and schools: Altgeld Park, Austin Park, Garfield Park; LaFollette Park, Union Park, and LeClaire Courts Fieldhouse.

He led several teams to State Championships. In addition to sports, he taught his students about life and black history. He was the first black sports captain of his high school where he was on the wrestling team.

In 1987 he was a candidate for 12th Ward Alderman.

Alum:
Kennedy High School

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Honorary Ronald Everette McKee, Sr Way

South Leamington Avenue, from West 44th Street to West 45th Street

 

Approved: September 2022

Ward: 22
Alderman: Rodriguez
Neighborhood: Archer Heights

d. March 4, 2019

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Source

20222439
R814

James (Jimmy) Cummings

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Honorary James (Jimmy) Cummings Way

6100 block of North McVicker from West Matson Ave. to North Indian Road

 

Approved: September 2022

Ward: 39
Alderman: Nugent
Neighborhood: Forest Glen

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Source

20222149

Muddy Waters

McKinley Morganfield, aka. Muddy Waters was a legendary blues musician who defined modern Chicago Blues with his vocals and blues adapted for electric guitar. He was born in Mississippi and moved to Chicago in 1943, he recorded in 1946 with Columbia Records and Aristocrat/Chess Records.

His band included: Little Walter Jacobs, Jimmy Rogers, Elga Edmonds, Otis Spann, and Willie Dixon.

Some of his top hits were: Hoochie Coochie Man (1954), Mannish Boy (1955), Got My Mojo Working (1957). The band “The Rolling Stones” named themselves after his 1950 hit “Rollin’ Stone.” He inspired generations of musicians across genres. Among his British fans were The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Eric Clapton.

“Muddy” was a nickname given to him by his grandmother; as a child he liked to play in the muddy waters of the Mississippi Delta.

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Honorary Muddy Waters Drive

Reissued 2022. 43rd Street, from South Lake Park Avenue to South Ellis Avenue

 

Approved: June 2022 (reissued)

Ward: 4
Alderman: King
Neighborhood: Bronzeville

b. April 4, 1913 in Mississippi
d. April 30, 1983. Age 70

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Source
Wikipedia
YouTube - Honorary Chicago playlist

20221616

Shirley Deer

Shirley Deer was a long time resident of the Lawndale neighborhood and a devoted member of the community and of her church. She was also a member of the St. Timothy House of Prayer.

The honorary sign was designated for what would have been her 75th birthday.

Mt. Hebron M.B.C.

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Honorary Shirley Deer Way

West Grenshaw Street, from South Central Park Avenue to South Homan Avenue (3400 to 3558 West Grenshaw Street)

Approved: Septembe 2022

 

Ward: 24
Alderman: Scott
Neighborhood: Lawndale

b. August 4, 1947
d. June 22, 1995. Age 47.

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Source

20222473

William K. Flood

William K. Flood and his brothers founded of one of the few family owned waste hauling companies in Chicago, Flood Brothers Disposal Company in 1970. The original company was O.Z. Miller Disposal of 1963. It grew from one to over 200 trucks. The orange and green trucks Flood Brothers trucks can be seen all over Chicago.

William’s charitable interests included his church, his service on the board member of Daughter of St. Paul, and his involvement in feeding more than 4000 families through annual Christmas food packing.

For his 76th birthday he threw out the first pitch at a Cubs Baseball Game.

Alum:
St. Ignatius High School

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Honorary William Flood

West 48th Place between South Kedzie Avenue and South Whipple Street

 

Approved: July 2022

Ward: 14
Alderman: Burke
Neighborhood: Archer Heights

d. June 4, 2022. Age 82.

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Source

https://floodbrothersdisposalchicago.tumblr.com/post/142805246082/grandfather-william-flood-with-grandson-brody-at

20221800

Michael H. Bankston III

Michael Bankston asked a woman if she needed help during a domestic dispute in public. The assailant shot Michael six times.

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Honorary Michael H. Bankston, III Avenue

West Wrightwood Avenue, at North Logan Boulevard going to North Spaulding Avenue

 

Approved: May 2022

Ward: 35
Alderman: Ramirez-Rosa
Neighborhood: Logan Square

d. age 25

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Source

20221760