Helen Baran
Linda Zabors
Honorary Helen Baran WAY
6000 block of North Neva Avenue
Approved: March 2024
Ward: 41
Alderman: Anthony Napolitano
Neighborhood: Norwood Park
Source
20247335
Blog
Shel Silverstein
Linda Zabors
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
Honorary Shel Silverstein WAY
Northwest Corner of North Kimball Avenue and West Wilson Avenue - to the Southwest Corner of North Kimball Avenue and West Leland 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
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
* Amended July 2024 - changed location of sign
Miguel 'Nene' Padilla, Jr.
Linda Zabors
Miguel “Nene” Padilla, Jr. was the victim of gun violence and a car jacking in Chicago. He had been born with Cerebral Palsy, he graduated from college and worked as an IT analyst.
Honorary Miguel “Nene” Padilla, Jr. WAY
Southeast Corner of West Fullerton Avenue at North Keystone Avenue to North Keystone Avenue
Approved: January 2024
Ward: 35
Alderman: Carlos Ramirez-Rosa
Neighborhood: Logan Square
b. January 10, 1980
d. October 21, 2021. Age 41 in Chicago
near
where he died
Source
20236055
https://www.alvarezfd.com/obituaries/Miguel-A-Padilla?obId=22771356
https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/deadly-logan-square-shootings-connected-wisconsin-shootout/
Elise Malary
Linda Zabors
Elise Malary was a transgender rights advocate who worked with and supported the Chicago Therapy Collective, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, Equality Illinois, and the Civil Rights Bureau of the Illinois Attorney General’s Office. She identified as a black trans woman.
A vigil was held for her in the Andersonville neighborhood of Chicago.
Honorary Elise Malary WAY
1500 Block of West Catalpa Avenue from North Clark Street to North Ashland Avenue
* Amended to Elise Malary Plaza located at Catalpa and Clark
Approved: January 2024
Ward: 40
Alderman: Andre Vasquez, Jr.
Neighborhood: Andersonville
d. Age 31
Source
20236011
2022679
20221182
20249621
https://chicago.suntimes.com/lgbtq/2024/03/29/trans-activist-elise-malary-street-naming-andersonville
https://blockclubchicago.org/2024/04/01/andersonville-street-named-for-late-trans-activist-elise-malary/
https://youtu.be/7WYWq079V1Y?si=hUnjVHUJKphuW6Zc
https://youtu.be/6n7yvYx31uk?si=FJpo212EO4GZ5vQY
https://40thward.org/2024/05/introducing-elise-malary-plaza/
Robert & Eugenie Brandt
Linda Zabors
Robert Brandt was the Alderman of the 33rd Ward for 8 years (1963-1971). They owned the Brandt Funeral home in the Logan Square neighborhood., where Robert was the Funeral Director for 56 years.
Honorary Alderman Robert & Eugenie Brandt WAY
Southwest corner of West Fullerton Avenue at North Kimball Avenue to North Kedzie Boulevard
Approved: January 2024
Ward: 35
Alderman: Carlos Ramirez-Rosa
Neighborhood: Logan Square
d. 1996. Age 74 Robert ;2009 Eugenie
near former location of
Brandt Funeral Home
3421 W. Fullerton Avenue
Source
20236053
https://www.chicagotribune.com/1996/01/16/ald-robert-brandt-74-also-was-funeral-director/
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2009/04/23/death-notice-eugenie-j-brandt/
https://www.yelp.com/biz/brandt-funeral-home-chicago
Rose Fay Thomas
Linda Zabors
Rose Fay Thomas, in 1899, established the Anti-Cruelty Society for the protection and care of animals. It was instrumental in providing services and education, and forwarding legislation against the abuse and maltreatment of stray, domestic, and work animals.
The original Small Animal Shelter was established at 1898 North Clark Street in 1904. It ran an animal rescue, ambulance service, and an animal adoption service. This was the first animal care charity in the country. The Anti-Cruelty Society has been at its current location at Grand Avenue and LaSalle Street since 1907. Rose Fay Thomas was also responsible for having water troughs installed across the city for horses.
She also established the National Federation of Music Clubs. Her husband was Theodore Thomas, the Founder, Musical Director, and Conductor of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Together they produced musical programs for the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago.
Her honorary sign was dedicated for the 125th anniversary of the Anti-Cruelty Society.
Honorary Rose Fay Thomas WAY
West Grand Avenue from North LaSalle Drive to North Clark Street
Approved: January 2024
Ward: 42
Alderman: Brendan Reilly
Neighborhood: West Town
b. September 4, 1952 in Vermont
d. April 19, 1929. Age 76 in Massachusetts
near
Anti-Cruelty Society
510 N. LaSalle
Source
20236444
https://classicchicagomagazine.com/the-woman-who-saved-millions-of-animals/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rose_Fay_Thomas
https://cso.org/experience/article/16552/celebrating-the-anti-cruelty-society-at-125
https://youtu.be/ABqXaO6SOu8?si=2NYShWrRl20mdmVQ
Yolanda Travis Mack
Linda Zabors
Yolanda Travis Mack was a McDonald’s franchise owner on the South Side of Chicago. In 2007 she acquired the first black owned and operated McDonald’s, originally opened by Herman Petty in 1968. She commissioned a mural on site to honor the original owner.
During the COVID-19 Pandemic, she turned her locations in COVID service sites, she also donated masks to a local hospital.
Honorary Yolanda Travis Mack WAY
South Lake Park Avenue, between East 52nd Street and East 53rd Street
Approved: January 2024
Ward: 04
Alderman: Lamont Robinson
Neighborhood: Kenwood
Source
20236364
https://news.yahoo.com/meet-yolanda-travis-owner-operator-145305341.html
https://afrotech.com/first-black-owned-mcdonalds-restaurant
https://youtu.be/FB61h7fc4lw?si=Ny8xumaaf4ORTzqZ
https://patch.com/illinois/chicagoheights/local-business-owner-engineers-mask-donation-franciscan-health
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=yolanda+travis+mack
Police Officer Andres M. Vasquez Lasso
Linda Zabors
Andres Vasquez Lasso was a police officer who served on the Chicago Police Department for 5 years when he died in the line of duty while responding to a domestic incident.
He was born in Colombia and came to the US with his family at age 18.
Honorary Police Officer Andres M. Vasquez Lasso Road
West Marquette Road between South Central Park Avenue and South Hamlin Avenue
Approved: January 2024
Ward: 23
Alderman: Silvana Tabares
Neighborhood: West Lawn
b. Colombia
d. March 1, 2023. Age 32, in Chicago
near
His home
Source
20235871
https://www.odmp.org/officer/26629-police-officer-andres-m-vasquez-lasso
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/andres-vasquez-lasso-chicago-police-officer-funeral-service/3090052/
https://www.instagram.com/chicagopolicedepartment/reel/Cq3ViD4g6ix/
https://youtu.be/2Sifjy79MYo?si=WvlXYM-TXXlcqHnc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yr_9V2LS04
Leah Herrera
Linda Zabors
Leah Herrera was 8-years old when she succumbed to Anaplastic Astrocytoma, a rare form of cancer which produced brain tumors.
Honorary Leah Herrera WAY
South Lamon from West 49th Street to West 50th Street
Approved: December 2023
Ward: 22
Alderman: Michael Rodriguez
Neighborhood: Stickney
b. October 2, 2012
d. August 31, 2021. Age 8
Source
20235974
https://www.echovita.com/us/obituaries/il/chicago/leah-k-herrera-13272644
https://www.gofundme.com/f/b5kz6-leah-strong
Munir Muhammad
Linda Zabors
Munir Muhammad was the producer of television programs for CROE, the Coalition for the Remembrance of the Honorable Elijiah Muhammad. He joined the Nation of Islam in 1972, co-founded CROE in 1987, and CROE-TV in 1994. For 21 years Munir interviewed political and social figures including: President Barak Obama, Senator Dick Durbin, Chicago Mayors, Illinois Governors, broadcasters, artists, celebrities, and Louis Farrakhan.
He moved to Chicago from Birmingham in 1968 after the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Alum
Wenonah High School, Birmingham, Alabama
Honorary Munir Muhammad WAY
West 71st Street between South Artesian Street and South Campbell Street
Approved: December 2023
Ward: 17
Alderman: David Moore
Neighborhood: Chicago Lawn
b. March 27, 1950 in Birmingham, Alabama
d. July 9, 2019. Age 69
near
CROE
2345 71st Street
Sign Dedication: April 2024 at 71st and Artesian
Source
20235836
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/7/12/20692201/munir-muhammad-dead-croe-obituary-elijah-cable-tv-islam-obama
https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/munir-muhammad
https://new.finalcall.com/2024/04/01/street-naming-ceremony-honors-life-work-of-munir-muhammad/
https://chicagocrusader.com/activist-munir-muhammad-dead-at-69/
https://croetv.net/
Titus Allen, Sr.
Linda Zabors
Titus Allen, Sr.
Honorary Titus Allen, Sr. WAY
South Vincennes Avenue between West 82nd Street and West 84th Street
Approved: December 2023
Ward: 06
Alderman: William Hall
Neighborhood: Auburn Gresham
b. January 2, 1944
d. September 4, 2022. Age 78
Time Out Lounge
8216 S. Vincennes Avenue
Sign Dedication: April 13, 2024
Source
20235640
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/243802321/titus-j-allen
Time Out Lounge
Maime Till-Mobley
Linda Zabors
Maime Till-Mobley was the mother of Emmitt Till. In 1955 she held an open casket visitation during her son’s funeral. Emmitt was a 14-year old from Chicago, when he was lynched, disfigured, and brutally murdered in Mississippi while visiting relatives. His murderers, who were white, were quickly acquitted. These events drew public outrage and put racism and acts of violence against black people on the world stage when gruesome photos of Emmitt’s body were published in Jet Magazine. Maime became a public figure in the civil rights movement and dedicated her life to justice.
“Let the people see what they did to my boy.”
Maime came to Chicago with her parents as a young child during the Great Migration of African-Americans from the segregated southern states. She was an excellent student, she made the “honor roll” at her high school which was predominantly white. She went on to teach in the Chicago Public schools for 23 years.
She died shortly before the publication of her autobiography, Death of Innocence: The Story of the Hate Crime that Changed America. Maime and Emmitt are both buried in Burr Oaks Cemetery, southwest of Chicago. Their house at 6427 S. Lawrence Street was dedicated as a landmark in 2020, and is now the Emmitt Till and Maime Till-Mobley House Museum. They were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2022.
Alum
Loyola University (there is a Maime Till Scholarship named in her honor at Loyola)
Chicago Teachers College (Chicago State University)
Argo Community High School
Honorary Maime Till-Mobley WAY
South Wabash Avenue between East 83rd Street and East 85th Street
Approved: December 2023
Ward: 06
Alderman: William Hall
Neighborhood: Avalon Park
b. November 23, 1921 in Mississippi
d. January 6, 2003
Maime Till-Mobley Day in Chicago 2021
Maime Till-Mobley Park in Chicago. 6404 S. Ellis Street
Source
20235643
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mamie_Till
https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/zlup/Historic_Preservation/Publications/Emmett_Till_and_Mamie_Till-Mobley_House_report.pdf
https://www.luc.edu/features/stories/academics/thestoryofemmetttill/#:~:text=When%20Mamie%20Till%20Bradley%20saw,%2C'%20she%20famously%20said.%E2%80%9D
https://www.luc.edu/education/about/alumni/mtm/
https://www.blacksingreen.org/till-house-museum
https://abcnews.go.com/US/emmett-till-mamie-till-mobley-awarded-congressional-gold/story?id=95711344
https://youtu.be/H0gQygAwhkw?si=it-3BcZEb2WaWctY
“Till” Movie Trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7INlp2fkZto
https://youtu.be/PuPlRvfEjj4?si=G4Q_DkavpJEJOd8v
https://youtu.be/sGWnPaa9qFY?si=TlLkmNaOTXSyESZN
Lula Mae Watson-Williams
Linda Zabors
Mother Lula Mae Watson-Williams established the Williams Inn pizzaria and bar in 1969 after having worked at famous Chicago pizza establishments such as Pizzaria Due, Lou Malnati’s, and Gino’s. She was the mother of seven children. Her business offered good food and employment opportunities to the Englewood neighborhood. She also expanded it to include a full-service restaurant and a pool hall.
The original location at 5701 S. Ashland ran for 30 years in the Englewood neighborhood before it burned down. In 2021 a new location opened at 2210 South Michigan Avenue. It is still family owned and operated today.
Honorary Lula Mae Williams WAY *
South Ashland Avenue between 57th Street and 58th Street
Approved: November 2023 *
Ward: 16
Alderman: Stephanie Coleman
Neighborhood: West Englewood
near
Williams Inn Pizza & Sports Bar
5701 S. Ashland Ave (original location)
Source
20234791
https://www.williamsinnpizza.com/about-us
https://wgntv.com/news/chicagos-very-own/owner-of-iconic-black-owned-gay-bar-opening-inclusive-pizza-restaurant/
* May 2024 Amended - to “Lula Mae Williams Way” from “Mother Lula May Watson-Williams Way”
W. Scott Biszewski
Linda Zabors
Scott Biszewski worked for the Department of Water Management for the City of Chicago, and belonged to Local #150 of the International Union of Operating Engineers.
Honorary W. Scott Biszewski Road
South Pulaski Road between West 83th Street and West 84th Street
Approved: October 2023
Ward: 18
Alderman: Derrick Curtis
Neighborhood: Ashburn/Scotsdale
Source
20233850
https://legacy.suntimes.com/us/obituaries/chicagosuntimes/name/walter-biszewski-obituary?id=17623113
Clifford E. Turner
Linda Zabors
Chief Apostle Dr. Clifford E. Turner, PhD. founded Liberty Temple Full Gospel Church in 1982, and Liberty International Network: 8 Liberty Churches, a Christian TV in 2002, and film production - HolyWood Studios. Outreach includes GED support to residents of public housing and citizens returning from incarceration.
Veteran: Army
Honorary Chief Apostle Dr. Clifford E. Turner
South Oakley Avenue between West 79th Street and West 79th Place
Approved: October 2023
Ward: 18
Alderman: Derrick Curtis
Neighborhood: Auburn Gresham / Beverly View
b. October 13, 1950 in Chicago
d. January 16, 2018. Age 67
near
Liberty Temple Church
2233 W. 79th Street
Source
20233907
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=4296004533762318
https://libertytemple.org/locations/chicago/
https://libertytemple.org/product-category/cet/
https://www.goldengate-funeralhome.com/obituary/4539971
Charles Green
Linda Zabors
Sergeant Charles Green retired from the Chicago Police department after 42 years of service. He followed a long-standing family tradition of becoming a Chicago Police Officer and serving in the military.
Veteran 1957
Alum
St. Rita High School
Honorary Sgt. Green WAY
South Merrimac Avenue from 5500 to 5600
Approved: October 2023
Ward: 13
Alderman: Marty Quinn
Neighborhood: Clearing
b. June 10, 1935
d. March 22, 2022. Age 86
Source
20234020
https://www.parksidechapels.com/obituary/Charles-Green
Shirley J. Newsome
Linda Zabors
Shirley J. Newsome led the North Kenwood-Oakland Community Conservation Council and in 1981 was a founding member of the Lake Park-Berkeley-Ellis-Drexel Block Club Association. She moved to prevent redevelopment of the area and into landmark district status. She also served briefly as Alderman of the 4th Ward, after which she was appointed to the Chicago Community Development Commission. In 2006 she retired from 40 years of service in the Federal Courts system.
She moved to the neighborhood in 1978, and was a member of the West Side New Galilee Missionary Baptist Church.
Alum
Chicago Teachers College (Chicago State University College of Education)
Marshall High School
Honorary Shirley J. Newsome WAY
South Lake Park Avenue between 41st Street and 42nd Place
Approved: October 2023
Ward: 04
Alderman: Lamont Robinson
Neighborhood: North Kenwood - Oakland
b. August 15, 1945
d. December 25, 2022. Age 77
Sign Dedication: November 11, 2023
Source
20233819
https://www.hpherald.com/news/shirley-newsome-north-kenwood-oakland-community-leader-caretaker-and-alderman-dies-at-77/article_44a8ae8e-8aed-11ed-9ebe-234783c56845.html
https://blockclubchicago.org/2023/11/13/former-kenwood-leader-shirley-newsome-honored-in-street-dedication-ceremony/
https://secc-chicago.org/4th-ward-celebrates-honorary-shirley-j-newsome-way/
Jeannine Janulis
Linda Zabors
Jeannine Janulis was a 65 year resident and active member of the Clearing community. She and her husband, Lem were among the first to build a house in the neighborhood. they raised their 4 children in the house and were volunteers at their schools. Jeannine was also part of the Clearing Civic League and was a member of the Midway Community Choir. in 2005 she was recognized as Senior of the Year by the Chicago Park District.
Jeannine worked as an airline hostess with Trans World Airlines (TWA) out of Midway Airport and was on initial flights to O’Hare Airport when it opened in 1954. After marrying Lem in 1955 she joined him at work at the Continental Can Company. After raising children she returned to the workforce and held administrative support roles in the Chicago Public School until she retired in 1993, after 18 years of service.
Alum
Ste Genevive High School, St. Louis, MO
Honorary Jeannine Janulis WAY
5900 to 6000 West 63rd Place
Approved: September 2023
Ward: 13
Alderman: Marty Quinn
Neighborhood: Clearing
d. Age 93
Dedication ceremony: October 22, 2023
Sign at 63rd and Austin
Source
20232923
https://www.stegenherald.com/2019/12/31/ste-genevieve-native-jeannine-janulis-marks-90th-birthday/
United Baptist
Linda Zabors
United Baptist Church secured it’s fist building in 1966 and moved to the current location in 1999. It is affiliated with the Union District Baptist Association of Chicago. Reverend Wilson Daniels led the congregation for 44 years.
Honorary United Baptist WAY
South Kildare Street between West Roosevelt Road to West Grenshaw Street
Approved: September 2023
Ward: 24
Alderman: Monique Scott
Neighborhood:
near
United Baptist Chuch
4242 W. Roosevelt Road
Source
20232922
https://unitedchi.org/
Chrys Carvajal
Linda Zabors
Private First Class Chrys Carvajal was a member of the National Guard and an aspiring Police Officer. His live was cut short at the age of 19 as a result of gun violence.
Veteran: National Guard
Honorary PFC Chrys Carvajal WAY
West Grace Street between North Meade Street and North Melvina Street
Approved: September 2023
Ward: 38
Alderman: Nicholas Sposato
Neighborhood: Belmont Cragin
d. July 3, 2021. Age 19
Source
20232791
https://news.wttw.com/2022/07/03/family-still-searching-answers-death-19-year-old-national-guardsman
https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/07/07/family-of-slain-portage-park-man-raising-money-to-bury-national-guardsman-chrys-will-be-remembered-as-a-hero/