Reverend C. B. Taylor

Reverend Charles B. Taylor was a Baptist minister and the owner of the Taylor Funeral home, which he started in 1963. In 1982 he bought Oak Hill Cemetery Association in Gary, Indiana. The Reverend was driven by mission and entrepreneurial spirit; he made multiple and varied investments in business and faith on the south and west sides of Chicago.

He also started a wide variety of businesses, including: Thrifty Printing (1975), American Monument Company, Atlas Auctioneers, Taylor Coach, and multiple auto sales and rebuilders. Reverend Taylor was also a pilot.

He has decades of civic involvement and service in the Baptist Church, Schools, Masons, Shriners, and the funeral director business.

Reverend Taylor was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and came to Chicago in 1948. He served for 22 years in the Illinois National Guard, where he achieved the rank of First Sergeant.

Veteran: National Guard

Alum;
Prairie State College
Worsham College of Mortuary Science
Jackson State College, Mississippi

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Honorary Reverend C. B. Taylor WAY

East 78th Street, between South Eberhart Avenue and South Rhodes Avenue

 

Approved: April 2023

Ward: 6
Alderman: Sawyer
Neighborhood: Chatham

b. Tuscaloosa, Alabama
d. June 30, 2022. Age 93

near C.B. Taylor Funeral Home
63 E. 79th Street

---

Source

20231149

https://www.cbtaylorfuneralhome.com/

Ciro "Tony" Ortez

---

Honorary Ciro "Tony" Ortez WAY

Northeast corner of North Albany Avenue and West Diversey Avenue to the Northwest corner of West Diversey Avenue and North Sacramento Avenue

 

Approved: March 2023

Ward: 33
Alderman: Rodriguez-Sanchez
Neighborhood: Logan Square

---

Source

2023988

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

---

Source

2023986
IL-100-SR1294
IL-94-SR0566

https://wacanetwork.org/

Sam Bell

Sam Bell was a long time volunteer for the Midtown Educational Foundation where he tutored students, led successful fundraising efforts, and supported programs and networks for a wide range of populations and interests. He was well known and well regarded and appreciated for the personal support and kindness he showed everyone he met.

Sam died in a bicycle accident. A Ghost Bike has been dedicated in his memory at the crash site

Alum
Eastern Illinois University

---

Honorary Sam Bell WAY

Northwest corner of West Rice Street and North Wood Street

 

Approved: March 2023

Ward: 1
Alderman: LaSpata
Neighborhood: West Town

b. 1978. Galesberg, IL
d. September 8, 2022. Age 44

---

Source

2023983

https://blockclubchicago.org/2022/09/13/bicyclist-sam-bell-killed-by-driver-in-river-west-was-a-friend-to-all-and-a-mentor-to-chicago-kids/

https://blockclubchicago.org/2022/09/30/ghost-bike-installed-in-river-west-for-sam-bell-bicyclist-killed-on-milwaukee-avenue/

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

---

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/

Marge Britton

Marguerite “Marge” Britton was a 1969 founder of the the oldest block club in the Edgewater neighborhood, the Lakewood Balmoral Residents Council (LRBC) . Before a career in public relations, she worked for the Lerner Newspaper and Skokie News. She was also a Ward staff member who served during the tenures of 4 Aldermen.

Marge lived her entire life in the neighborhood, and raised her family of 6 children on Magnolia Street.

Alumni
Mundeline College in Rogers Park

---

Honorary Marge Britton WAY

North Magnolia Avenue, between West Balmoral Avenue and West Bryn Mawr Avenue

 

Approved: February 2023

Ward: 48
Alderman: Osterman
Neighborhood: Edgewater

d. April 8, 2022. Age 84

---

Source

2023656

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/chicagotribune/name/marguerite-britton-obituary?id=34195862

Felipe "Phil" Ayala

Felipe Ayala was the Director and co-founder of El Centro De La Causa, a social services agency serving the Pilsen neighborhood. El Centro housed and spawned several other community organizations including those for women, education, and athletics. He encouraged kids to stay in school and give back to the community.

Felipe served in Vietnam and trained as an Army Ranger. He also served as a Deputy Sheriff for Cook County, as a Member of the US Commission on Civil Rights, as a Commissioner for the Cook County Hospitals. He was influential in Illinois legislation to change the height requirement for law enforcement so more women and minorities would qualify. He was invited to attend a conference of Latino leaders at the White House by President Jimmy Carter in 1979.

Veteran: Army, Vietnam

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Honorary Felipe “Phil” Ayala WAY

West 17th Street between South Halsted Street and South Union Avenue

 

Approved: February 2023

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

---

Source

2023627

https://outlet.historicimages.com/products/rsb60831

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/chicagotribune/name/philip-ayala-obituary?id=36273058

Sylvia "Toy" Knabjian

Sylvia Knabjian, a.k.a. Toy, was the proprietor of Bridgeport’s “Mike’s Hotdog Cart” at 32nd and Aberdeen, which her father Michael began.

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Honorary Sylvia "Toy" Knabjian WAY

West 32nd Place, from South Carpenter Street to South Morgan Street

 

Approved: February 2023

Ward: 11
Alderman: Lee
Neighborhood: Bridgeport

d. 2004

---

Source

2023262

https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1985-11-16-8503190261-story.html

Mike 'The Hot Dog Man' Knabjian

Mike’s Hotdog Cart was a hand made, bright yellow, wooden, tin roofed cart at 32nd and Aberdeen in the Bridgeport neighborhood of Chicago.

Mike was the namesake founder and operator for 65 years. His daughter, Sylvia, succeeded him in the hot dog and tamale business.

---

Honorary Mike 'The Hot Dog Man' Knabjian Way

West 32nd Place, from South Aberdeen Street to South Carpenter Street

 

Approved: February 2023

Ward: 11
Alderman: Lee
Neighborhood: Bridgeport

d. 1985. Age 84

---

Source
https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1985-11-16-8503190261-story.html
https://legacy.suntimes.com/us/obituaries/chicagosuntimes/name/sylvia-knabjian-obituary?id=30132548

20222714
2023261

Amanda Calo

Amanda Calo was a preschool teacher at Matthew Gaiiistel Language Academy. She was involved in the Safe Kids Chicago several other initiatives and interests including book and gardening clubs.

Her death was the result of domestic violence; a murder-suicide which made orphans of two children under the age of 5.

Alum:
National Louis University

---

Honorary Amanda Calo Way

South Ewing Avenue, between East 103rd Street and East 104th Street

 

Approved: January 2023

Ward: 10
Alderman: Garza
Neighborhood: East Side

b. December 21, 1990
d. January 24, 2022. Age 32

---

Source

20222715 replaced by 20223963

https://wgntv.com/news/chicago-news/family-wrapping-arms-around-children-after-mother-killed-by-isp-trooper-in-murder-suicide/

https://nypost.com/2022/01/27/illinois-state-trooper-killed-wife-who-wanted-a-divorce-in-murder-suicide/

https://people.com/crime/illinois-pre-k-teacher-found-dead-with-state-trooper-husband-in-apparent-murder-suicide/

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

---

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

---

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

---

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

---

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.

---

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

---

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.

---

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

---

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

---

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

---

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

---

---

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

---

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:

---

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

---

Source

20222848
R815