RESOLUTION FOR BOARD MEETING JUNE 1, 2023
Title
RESOLUTION sponsored by the Board of Commissioners recognizing June as a month of celebration of Puerto Rican pride
Body
WHEREAS, Puerto Rico, officially known as the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, is an island territory located in the Caribbean Sea, with the northern shore abutting the Atlantic Ocean. Comprised of a larger main island and three smaller islands, Puerto Rico is the smallest of the Greater Antillean countries; and
WHEREAS, on November 19, 1493, Christopher Columbus moored on the west coast of Borinquen, which he renamed San Juan Bautista (Saint John the Baptist), and declared the land as property of the Spanish monarch. For the next several hundred years, mainland Puerto Rico was a highly desired island due to its climate, location, and natural resources; and
WHEREAS, at the conclusion of the Spanish-American War, which began in 1898, Puerto Rico was ceded to the United States from Spain as part of the Treaty of Paris, which was signed on December 10, 1898. Thereafter, 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. Many Puerto Ricans, frustrated with the living conditions on the east coast, decided to relocate to Chicago. The newly arrived populace settled in various neighborhoods throughout Chicago, including West Town and Humboldt Park; and
WHEREAS, as a result of the formation of a large Puerto Rican community in Humboldt Park, the Paseo Boricua (Puerto Rican Promenade) segment was established. Marked by two large iron Puerto Rican flags, the Paseo Boricua proudly proclaims its connection to the Puerto Rican community; 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 Día de San Juan (St. John’s Day), the parade and associated 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, this year the Fiestas Patronales Puertorriqueñas (Patron Saint Festivals) will be held from June 8th through June 11th, with the 45th Annual Puerto Rican People’s Day Parade to be held on June 10th. The festivities will include live music, cultural performances, a carnival, and traditional food and beverages; 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.
Dated: June 1, 2023