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222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza
Chicago, IL, 60654

312-380-9883

Chicago's honorary brown street signs, days, and commemorative honors; the who, what, where, when and why.  Honorary Chicago guide book, maps, biographies, history, trivia, tours, and gifts.

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Filtering by Tag: Judaism

Prince Asiel Ben Israel

Linda Zabors

Prince Asiel Ben Israel (born Warren Brown) was the owner of the Original Soul Vegetarian restaurant (now Soul Veg City), which served vegan food on the South Side of Chicago and opened in 1981. The restaurant has continued on under the guidance of his children. It is one of the earliest black-owned vegan restaurants in the country. It promotes healthy, plant-based diets to prevent chronic disease.

He was also a member of the African Hebrew Israelite Nation of Jerusalem and studied in several countries. He served as an advisor to the World Conference of Mayors, the U.S. Congressional Black Caucus, and was a member of the African American Clergy Network of Chicago. He served to support Black populations in North America, Africa, and Israel.

Alum
DePaul University
Dunbar Vocational High School, Chicago


Honorary Prince Asiel Ben Israel WAY

East 75th Street between South Indiana Avenue and South Prairie Avenue

 

Approved: April 2023

Ward: 06
Alderman: William Hall
Neighborhood: Chatham

b. April 30, 1941 in Chicago
d. August 21, 2022. Age 81

near
Soul Veg City Restaurant
201-209 E 75th Street


Source

20231260

https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/prince-asiel-ben-israel

https://www.soulvegcity.com/about

https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/2022/9/2/23334949/prince-asiel-ben-israel-chicago-black-hebrew-leader-memorial-service

https://www.blackjews.org/prince-asiel-ben-israel/

Karen Lewis

Linda Zabors

Karen Lewis was the President of the Chicago Teacher’s Union from 2010 to 2014. Previously she had been a chemistry teacher for 22 years at Sullivan High School, Lane Tech, and King College Prep. She also spoke three languages.

Karen Lewis ran for the CTU to oppose privatization and mayoral control of schools as part of CORE (Caucus of Rank and File Educators). During her tenure she oversaw a 7-day strike in 2012, another work stoppage in 2014, reduced pay for Union officers, and expanded Union outreach efforts. She blocked efforts to impose merit pay and teacher evaluations all amid school consolidations and closures.

She was the only African-American woman in her graduating class from Dartmouth College, she transferred to Dartmouth when they started admitting women.

Karen was a resident of Bronzeville. She grew up on Chicago’ s south side, both her parents were Chicago Public School teachers.

Alum:

Kenwood High School
Mount Holyoke College
Dartmouth College, BA 1974
Northern Illinois University, Masters


Honorary Karen Lewis CTU Way

Southeast corner of North Damen Avenue and West Carroll Avenue

 

Approved: March 2022

Ward: 27
Alderman: Burnett
Neighborhood: West Loop

b. July 20, 1953
d. February 7, 2021. Age 67


Source

2022491

Roslyn and Seymour Simon Circle

Linda Zabors

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


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

 

Milton I. Shadur Way

Linda Zabors

The Honorable Milton Irving Shadur was a U.S. Federal Court judge for the Northern District of Illinois for thirty-seven years. When he retired he had been one of the longest serving Federal judges. He wrote more than 11,000 opinions while on the bench; he was appointed in 1980 by President Carter. Judge Shadur was the first recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Chicago Bar Association. Judge Shadur served on the Village Board for Glencoe and was a life trustee of the Ravinia Festival.

Photo: US Government, Public Domain

Photo: US Government, Public Domain

Alumni:
University of Chicago
University of Chicago Law School

Veteran: Navy, Lieutenant. WWII

Founding member of Congregation Am Shalom


Honorary The Honorable Milton I. Shadur Way

West Adams Street, from South Dearborn Street to South Clark Street

 

Approved: July 2019

Ward: 42
Alderman: Reilly
Neighborhood: Loop/Federal Plaza

b. June 25, 1924, St Paul, Minnesota
d. January 15, 2018. Age 93. Glenview, Illinois

Near
Dirksen Courthouse Building
218 South Dearborn


YouTube playlist: Milton Shadur. Honorary Chicago