Steven Strauss

Steven Roy Strauss was the owner of the popular Wrigleyville bar, Sluggers World Class Sports Bar & Grill for more than 35 years. At age 27, Steven opened his first Lake View bar called Double Inn. He later opened Cheeks, one of the first LGBTQ bars in the area. He grew up in the business, his father had owned Symphony Liquors on Chicago Avenue.

Sluggers is now owned and operated by Steven’s sons. Additional Sluggers locations are in Orland Park, Vernon Hills, and Denver, Colorado.

Steven grew up in the Peterson Park neighborhood of Chicago.

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Honorary Steven Strauss Way

North Clark Street from North Addison Street to West Eddy Street

 

Approved: 2022

Ward: 44
Alderman: Tunney
Neighborhood: Wrigleyville

b. May 16, 1945
d. January 28, 2022 Age 76.

Sluggers Bar
3540 N. Clark Street

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Source
https://www.barstoolsports.com/blog/3404042/chicago-loses-a-legend-rip-steve-strauss-the-man-behind-sluggers

https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/steven-strauss-owner-of-iconic-wrigleyville-bar-sluggers-dies-at-76/2741661/

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Tom O'Rourke and Peggy Barber

Thomas J. O’Rourke, better known as “Cowboy” was a photographer who showcased the Lincoln Park neighborhood where they lived.

Peggy Barber led the Public Information Office of the American Library Association for 30 years, and was the driving force behind successful promotional campaigns such as National Library Week and READ posters which featured celebrities. She was the chairman of the National Coalition for Literacy, and the Community Advisory Board for WBEZ public radio in Chicago.

Together they played Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus for the neighborhood kids and made sure every child was included.

Alum: Peggy
University of California, Riverside
Rutgers University

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Honorary Tom O'Rourke and Peggy Barber Way

1800 block of North Fremont Street from Willow to Wisconsin

 

Approved: May 2022

Ward: 43
Alderman: Smith
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park

Tom
d. 2008

Peggy
d. August 25, 2019. Age 75.
Lung Cancer

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Source

https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/obituaries/ct-peggy-barber-obituary-20190920-zmahikzubren7lyjzl4hoxha4i-story.html

20221098

Alexandria Lialios

Alexandria Lialios was a first grade teacher in the Chicago Public Schools at the Arthur E. Canty School, where she served for 34 years. She specialized in early childhood development and was a bilingual Greek instructor.

Alum:
Northeastern Illinois University

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Honorary Alexandria Lialios Way

North Paris Avenue between West Waveland and West Grace

 

Approved: May 2022

Ward: 38
Alderman: Sposato
Neighborhood: Irving Woods

d. February 25, 2022

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Source
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleka-lialios-46096423/

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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

Carlos F. Pagan

Carlos Pagan was a 19-year old shooting victim in the Albany Park neighborhood.

Alum:

Theodore Roosevelt High School

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Honorary Carlos F. Pagan Way

North Albany Avenue from West Argyle Street to West Carmen Avenue

 

Approved: April 2022

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

d. 2018. Age 19

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Source

https://blockclubchicago.org/2018/08/07/albany-park-neighbors-help-pay-funeral-costs-in-possible-mistaken-identity-murder/

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John E. Byrne

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Honorary John E. Byrne Way

North Richmond Street from West Montrose Avenue to West Wilson Avenue

The comer of North Manor Avenue and West Giddings Street to West Wilson Avenue (4740 to 4759 North Manor Avenue) *

 

Approved: April 2022

Ward: 33
Alderman: Rodriguez-Sanchez
Neighborhood: Ravenswood Manor

d. August 21, 2021. Age 68

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Source

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/chicagotribune/name/john-byrne-obituary?id=6335362

2022839

* Location revised and approved December 2022. (20223642)

Steve Cunneen

Steve Cunneen opened his namesake bar on Devon Avenue in 1972. He, and the tavern, were neighborhood staples for 50 years. Steve was a fan of Jazz music and woodworking. He made made many of the bar tables and the stained glass above the door.

Alum:

University of Illinois at Chicago

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Honorary Steve Cunneen Way

Newgard Avenue between Devon Avenue and Arthur Avenue

 

Approved: April 2022

Ward: 49
Alderman: Hadden
Neighborhood: Rogers Park

b.
d. February 2022. Age 86

Cunneens’s 1424 W. Devon Ave

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Source

https://chicago.suntimes.com/obituaries/2022/2/17/22929689/steve-cunneen-cunneens-tavern-rogers-park

https://blockclubchicago.org/2022/02/17/after-cunneens-owner-steve-cunneen-dies-widow-takes-over-beloved-bar-as-it-turns-50/

https://chibarproject.com/reviews/cunneens/

2022749

Sam Rosen

Sam Rosen, owner of S. Rosen bakery, was the originator of the poppy seed bun which became the chosen container for the Chicago style hot dog. Sam was born in Poland, and emigrated from Germany at he age of 13 as an apprentice baker. Within 3 years he had his own bakery in New York and was organizing a bakers union. By 1909 he moved to Chicago and purchased a bakery in the Bemont Craigin neighborhood, which became his namesake, the S. Rosen Baking Company. It is now owned by the third generation of his family, and is known as the Alpha Baking Company.

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Honorary Sam Rosen Way

North Kilbourn Avenue from West Lyndale Avenue to West Fullerton Avenue

 

Approved: April 2022

Ward: 36
Alderman: Villegas
Neighborhood: Belmont Cragin

b. 1886 in Poland
d. June 1976

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Source

https://www.srosens.com/about/

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Rudy Malnati, Jr.

Rudy Malnati, Jr. opened Pizano’s Pizza in 1991 in the tradition his father Rudy, Sr. mastered at the original Pizzaria Uno, where the Chicago style deep dish pizza tradition was born in 1943.

His half-brother founded the namesake “Lou Malnati’s Pizzaria.”

Rudy was also a Chicago civic leader who was the Director of the Chicago Air & Water Show for 30 years. He attended every Air & Water Show since it began in Chicago in 1959. He also coordinated the Milwaukee, Gary, and Rockford shows. The Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds made him an honorary member of their squadrons.

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Honorary Rudy Malnati, Jr. Way

State Street from Chestnut to Delaware Street

 

Approved: April 2022

Ward: 2
Alderman: Hopkins
Neighborhood: Gold Coast

d. December 24, 2021. Age 65

near 864 N. State Street - Pizano’s Pizza

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Source

https://www.pizanoschicago.com/about-pizanos/

https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20211226/rudy-malnati-jr-member-of-pizza-dynasty-director-of-air-and-water-show-dead-at-65

2022476

Jesus 'Chuy' Negrete

Jesus ‘Chuy’ Negrete was a famous Mexican-American folk singer and guitarist who also played harmonica. He was a member of the Chicano Youth Movement in the 1960s and the Farm Labor Movement.

He taught Mexican history and culture from youth to the university level, including in the Chicago Public Schools, University of Illinois at Chicago, Roosevelt University, and Robert Morris University.

Chuy founded “Teatro de Barrio” in South Chicago.

He was born in Mexico and came to Texas with his parents who were migrant farm workers. From the age of 7, he lived in the South Chicago neighborhood.

Studs Terkel called him "the Chicano Woody Guthrie."

Alum:

Chicago Vocational High School
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago State University

https://www.chuynegrete.com

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Honorary Jesus ‘Chuy’ Negrete Way

East 91st Street and South Houston Avenue

 

Approved: April 2022

Ward: 10
Alderman: Garza
Neighborhood: South Chicago

near his childhood home 9125 S. Houston

b. San Luis Potosi, Mexico
d. Age 72

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Source

2022745

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

Karen Lewis

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

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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

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Source

2022491

Geoffrey L. Woitel

Geoffrey L. Woitel was a detective with the Chicago Police Department.

Geoff was born in Maywood and grew up in Oak Park.

Alumnus:
Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL
Fenwick High School, Oak Park. IL
St. Giles Elementary School, Oak Park, IL

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Honorary Geoffrey L. Woitel Way

7200 block of West Everell Avenue

 

Approved: March 2022

Ward: 41
Alderman: Napolitano
Neighborhood: Norwood Park

b. January 11, 1972 in Maywood, IL
d. February 24, 2021. Age 49

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Source

2022386

A Tour From Above at Mid-America Club Happy Hour

Honorary Chicago presents a Chicago author led tour by Linda Zabors

A Tour From Above - Mid-America Club Happy Hour

Join us at the Mid-America Club for a Friday Happy Hour for a guided cityscape viewing from the 80th floor.

Stay warm and dry, this tour is entirely indoors

The February feature is Chicago’s 10 tallest buildings, Black History Month, and US Presidents in Chicago.

A Chicago tour provided by the Mid-America Club at the Aon Center

Friday, April 29, 2022
Friday, May 20, 2022
Friday, June 24, 2022 (Cancelled)

The Mid-America Club

200 East Randolph Street
Aon Building, 80th floor
Chicago, IL, 60601

Stay warm and dry this tour is entirely indoors.

Reservations required for building access
Contact the Mid-America Club (312) 861-1100

Mid-America Club members can RSVP online or on the app

 

Chicago’s Ten Tallest Buildings through time

Lakeshore East history and architecture

Millennium Park tour and concert

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New Life Covenant

New Life Covenant - “A Church for the Hurting” has established ministries for education, the homeless and food insecure, residential programs for children, young adults, and women.

Chicago Dream Center

Our mission is to REACH our community ONE person at a time by connecting them to resources that lead towards overcoming poverty, addiction, homelessness, human trafficking, and hunger.

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Honorary New Life Covenant Way

3500 to 3600 West Division Street

 

Approved: February 2022

Ward: 26
Alderman: Maldonado
Neighborhood: Humboldt Park

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Source

https://mynewlife.org

A Tour From Atop - The Women Who Built Chicago

Honorary Chicago presents a Chicago author led tour by Linda Zabors

A Tour From Atop

Join us at the Mid-America Club for a Friday Happy Hour and a guided cityscape viewing from the 80th floor.

Stay warm and dry, this tour is entirely indoors

The March feature recognizes International Women’s Day

A Chicago tour provided by the Mid-America Club at the Aon Center
Happy Hour

Friday, March 25, 2022

The Mid-America Club

200 East Randolph Street
Aon Building, 80th floor
Chicago, IL, 60601

Friday, March 25th

Stay warm and dry this tour is entirely indoors.

Reservations required for building access
Contact the Mid-America Club (312) 861-1100

Mid-America Club members can RSVP online or on the app

 

Chicago’s Ten Tallest Buildings

The Women Who Built Chicago

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Dwain P Williams

Dwain Williams was a 26 year veteran of the Chicago Fire Department. In 1992 he served as an Emergency Medical Technician to Engine 122 and later as a Fire Academy instructor in hazardous incidents and terrorist response. In 2018 he retired having achieved the rank of Lieutenant. He also worked in the Office of Emergency Management and Communication as a Watch Officer.

Prior to his time in the Chicago Fire Department, he served in the Army in international locations and in the Reserves as a Wire Systems Installer and Operator and at the 501st Signal Battalion and the 101st Airborne Assault Division. He was a decorated soldier and was an expert sharpshooter and hand grenade expert.

Dwain was intellectually curious and deeply knowledgeable. He earned four degrees and more than 80 certifications in professional and independent studies. He also had a passion for basketball, music and chess. He was a guitarist and went by the stage name “D-Sharp” with RAM Band and Mixed Nutz.

He taught computers and physical education at St. Phillip Neri School

Mentored at risk youth and athletics at the Chicago Park District

Listed in Who’s Who of Outstanding Young Americans

Veteran: Army. Active Duty 1976, Army Reserves
American Legion - George Giles Post #87

Alumnus:
Additional degrees and certifications
Harper High School
Altgeld Elementary School

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Honorary Lt. Dwain P. Williams Way

South Peoria Street, between 95th Street and 98th Street

 

Approved: February 2022

Ward: 34 and 21
Alderman: Austin and Brookins
Neighborhood: Longwood Manor

b. April 19, 1955
d. December 3, 2020. Age 65

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Source

2022255,181

Herman Petty

Herman Petty was a pioneer and the first black owner of a McDonald’s franchise in the United States. It is located at Stony Island and Marquette Road in the Woodlawn neighborhood. On December 21, 1968, it became the first of eight McDonald’s franchises he would own. Herman became a McDonald’s Millionaire and paved the way for others to follow in economic success and community rebuilding. With the help of special field consultants, by the end of 1969 there were twelve black owned McDonalds.

In 1968 it was a neighborhood in turmoil following the April 4th assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Riots erupted on the South side of Chicago. Herman, was well acquainted with the neighborhood and everyone in it, since he had the barbershop down the street. This was key to resolving gang and loitering issues.

Herman previously worked as a barber and as a bus driver for the Chicago Transit Authority. He had no previous experience in franchise ownership or restaurants. In 1970 he founded the National Black McDonald’s Operators Association, there are now more that 330 black franchise owners.

The current owner of the location marked the 40th anniversary of the historic opening with a mural, markers, and timeline to commemorate the achievement for the community. The 5oth anniversary was in 2018. The location is within walking distance of the Obama Presidential Library Center.

Alumnus:
Hamburger University

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Honorary Herman Petty Way

East Marquette Road.; between South Stony Island Avenue and to South Dorchester Avenue

 

Approved: February 2022

Ward: 5
Alderman: Hairston
Neighborhood: Woodlawn

d. March 21, 2009

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Source

https://chicagocrusader.com/local-news/a-crusader-special-feature/

https://nbmoa.org/our-history/

Block Club Chicago

2022337

Lerone Bennett, Jr.

Lerone Bennett, Jr. was an author and social historian with a specialty in race relations and civil rights. He served for many years as the Executive Editor of Ebony Magazine; he began his career with Johnson Publishing as the City Editor of JET Magazine. His career in journalism began at the age of twelve at the black-owned newspaper The Mississippi Enterprise. After college he worked for the Atlanta Daily World.

His first book was Before the Mayflower: A History of Black America 1619-1962. In 1978 he received the American Academy Arts and Letters, Literature Award. In 1954 he published an article about the children of Thomas Jefferson and his slave Sally Hemings; which was verified decades later using DNA evidence.

He was a visiting professor at Northwestern University. Lerone graduated from Morehouse College in Atlanta in 1949, where he was classmates with Martin Luther King, Jr. Bennett interviewed King about the Montgomery bus boycott in 1955, and in 1964 wrote What Manner of Man: A Biography of Martin Luther King.

Veteran: Army. Korean War

Alumnus:
Morehouse College, Atlanta, Georgia
Lanier High School

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Honorary Lerone Bennett, Jr. Parkway

South Chicago Beach Drive from East 48th Street to East 49th Street

 

Approved: February 2022

Ward: 4
Alderman: King
Neighborhood: Kenwood

b. October 17, 1928. Mississippi
d. February 14, 2018. age 89. Chicago

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Source

https://aaregistry.org/story/lerone-bennett-jr-a-classical-author/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lerone_Bennett_Jr.

2022385