RESOLUTION FOR BOARD MEETING OF JUNE 20, 2024
Title
RESOLUTION sponsored by the Board of Commissioners recognizing the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community and honoring esteemed representatives
Body
WHEREAS, on June 28, 1969, the New York City Police Department conducted a raid of the Stonewall Inn, a tavern located in New York City’s Greenwich Village, which was considered a safe place to gather and celebrate for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and people with other identities (LGBTQ+); and
WHEREAS, in June of 1970, in observance of the anniversary of the Stonewall Inn confrontation, supporters of the LGBTQ+ community marched in numerous cities throughout the United States; and
WHEREAS, now declared Pride Month, June is celebrated throughout the United States with parades and other gatherings. In honor of Pride Month, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago recognizes the contributions of the following esteemed honorees; and
WHEREAS, Channyn Lynne Parker, the Chief Executive Officer of Brave Space Alliance, is a dedicated human rights advocate, dynamic public speaker, and community-centric leader. With a deep commitment to empowering marginalized communities, Ms. Parker has made a significant impact through her leadership and activism; and
WHEREAS, in addition to her role at Brave Space Alliance, Ms. Parker also serves on the Illinois Commission on Discrimination and Hate Crimes, as well as the Illinois Commission on Poverty Elimination and Economic Security. Through these roles, Ms. Parker continues to advocate for policies and programs that address systemic inequalities and promote economic justice for all; and
WHEREAS, throughout her career, Ms. Parker has been recognized for her tireless advocacy. In 2013, she was honored as an inaugural Trans100 awardee, in 2018 she was a recipient of the Henrietta Lacks Memorial Award and the Women in Health in Chicago Award, and in 2019 she was awarded the Equality Illinois Freedom Award; and
WHEREAS, Roberto Sanabria, a dedicated advocate, currently serves as the Executive Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the American Hospital Association. With a career spanning decades, Mr. Sanabria has made significant contributions to advancing equity and access in various sectors; and
WHEREAS, a trailblazer in HIV prevention and care, Mr. Sanabria co-founded the Vida/SIDA program at the Puerto Rican Cultural Center, a pioneering initiative aimed at preventing and providing care for individuals affected by HIV/AIDS. His work with Vida/SIDA underscores his commitment to addressing healthcare disparities and promoting holistic approaches to public health; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Sanabria’s dedication to public service extends to his role as a special assistant to the Director and Chief of Latino Services for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services in Chicago. Through his leadership and advocacy, Mr. Sanabria continues to inspire positive change and drive progress toward a more equitable and inclusive society; and
WHEREAS, Mona Noriega is a distinguished leader and advocate for civil rights and social justice. Appointed to the Illinois Human Rights Commission in June of 2021, she brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role; and
WHEREAS, previously, Ms. Noriega served as the Commissioner and Board Chair of the City of Chicago's Commission on Human Relations, where she played a pivotal role in securing protections for gender non-conforming individuals. Ms. Noriega's commitment to advancing LGBTQ+ rights is also evident through her work with Lambda Legal Defense, where she helped establish the Midwest Regional Office and served as the Director; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Noriega’s dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to equality continues to make a profound impact on the lives of countless individuals and communities across Illinois; and
WHEREAS, Victoria LePaige is a dynamic performer from the City of Chicago. With a captivating stage presence and a passion for performance art, Ms. LePaige brings unforgettable entertainment to audiences across Chicago. Known for her stage persona, she commands the stage with confidence and charisma; and
WHEREAS, Ms. LePaige is a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility. She uses her platform to promote inclusivity, acceptance, and empowerment within the community, participating in fundraisers, pride events, and other initiatives that support LGBTQ+ causes; and
WHEREAS, Ms. LePaige’s unapologetic identity of self serves as a role model for many within the LGBTQ+ community; and
WHEREAS, the Lakeside Pride Music Ensembles (Lakeside Pride) is an acclaimed collection of music performance groups created for members and friends of the LGBTQ+ community. Lakeside Pride consists of four major ensemble groups (Jazz Orchestra, Marching Band, Symphonic Band, and Pops) and several chamber ensembles; and
WHEREAS, a respected non-profit organization, Lakeside Pride creates an outlet for talented musicians of every background to express themselves through music in an environment free from judgment. Performing for audiences throughout the year, Lakeside Pride is a fascinating musical experience; and
WHEREAS, often recognized as being a trailblazer, Lakeside Pride has been inducted into the Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame and is a founding member of the Pride Bands Alliance (formerly known as the Lesbian and Gay Band Association); 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 the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community and honor the esteemed representatives; 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 Channyn Lynne Parker, Roberto Sanabria, Mona Noriega, Victoria LePaige, and the Lakeside Pride Music Ensembles.
Dated: June 20, 2024