RESOLUTION FOR BOARD MEETING JUNE 17, 2021
Title
RESOLUTION sponsored by the Board of Commissioners recognizing June as a month of celebration of Puerto Rican pride
Body
WHEREAS, on December 10, 1898, the Treaty of Paris (Treaty) was executed by Spain and the United States, officially concluding the Spanish-American War. Included in the Treaty, among other provisions, was Spain’s agreement to relinquish Puerto Rico to the United States. On March 2, 1917, President Woodrow Wilson signed the Jones-Shafroth Act, granting United States citizenship to Puerto Ricans; and
WHEREAS, the first large wave of Puerto Rican migration to Chicago began in the late 1940’s. The newly arrived populace settled in many neighborhoods throughout Chicago. By the 1960’s, many residents relocated to West Town and Humboldt Park. In Humboldt Park, the Paseo Boricua segment was established. Marked by two large Puerto Rican flags, the Paseo Boricua proudly welcomes visitors; and
WHEREAS, according to the 2010 United States Census, approximately 103,000 Puerto Ricans live in Chicago. It is currently estimated that Chicago has the second largest Puerto Rican population in the continental United States; and
WHEREAS, it is believed that the first Puerto Rican parade in Chicago was held on June 12, 1966. Originally designated as a commemoration of El Dia de San Juan (St. John’s Day), the parade and associated Puerto Rican Festival have become symbols of Puerto Rican pride and a display of the rich and diverse culture and heritage that has been passed down through many generations; and
WHEREAS, due to the ongoing novel coronavirus, the 2021 festival and parade will be held separately; the parade will be on June 19th and the festival will be September 23rd-26th. For over a decade, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District commissioners and staff have participated in the parade; and
WHEREAS, the Puerto Rican Agenda is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering Puerto Ricans in Chicago and Puerto Rico. Among its many notable attributes, the Puerto Rican Agenda serves as a fundraising organization. Over the past several years, Puerto Rican Agenda has provided aid to victims of Hurricane Maria and the numerous earthquakes that have devastated Puerto Rico; and
WHEREAS, Norwegian American Hospital has been serving the Humboldt Park neighborhood for many years. Founded in 1894, the hospital is a 200 bed, acute care complex; and
WHEREAS, on January 26, 2021, Norwegian American Hospital changed its name to Humboldt Park Health to honor the community in which it is located. Humboldt Park Health has pledged to focus on equity in health care; and
WHEREAS, as the President and CEO of Humboldt Park Health, Jose R. Sanchez has taken the lead in ensuring that the hospital actively engages with patients and caregivers. With over 30 years of experience as a health care executive, Mr. Sanchez is uniquely poised to bring about effective changes at Humboldt Park Health; and
WHEREAS, Rincon Family Services is a not for profit organization located on the West Side of Chicago focused on assisting individuals recovering from substance abuse. One of the first substance abuse organizations centered around Chicago’s Latino population, Rincon Family Services provides a variety of services for those in need of support and resources; and
WHEREAS, Eddy Borrayo is the President and CEO of Rincon Family Services. In addition to leading the organization, Mr. Borrayo is an esteemed speaker on such topics as suicide, mental health, and community awareness; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, on behalf of ourselves and our staff, do hereby recognize June as a month of celebration of Puerto Rican pride; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution be spread upon the permanent Record of Proceedings of the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago and that a copy of same, suitably engrossed, be presented to the Puerto Rican Agenda, Jose R. Sanchez on behalf of Humboldt Park Health, and Eddy Borrayo on behalf of Rincon Family Services.
Dated: June 17, 2021