David "Boogie" Gonzalez

David Gonzales, aka. Boogie, left his life in a street gang and became a peace activist after the violent death of his brother. He was an active member of the Chicago Chicano Movement in the 1970s and negotiated truces between gangs. In 1973 he became the victim of a drive by shooting between rival gangs.

There is a mural in the Pilsen neighborhood dedicated in his honor on the corner of 18th Street and Throop Street. It was restored in 2021 by artist Salvador Vega.

---

Honorary David 'Boogie' Gonzalez WAY

South Throop Street from West 18th Street to West 19th Street

 

Approved: April 2024

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

d. June 19, 1973

---

Source

20248328

https://hue.crc.nd.edu/pilsen/murals/boogie-gonzalez-memorial/

https://www.wbez.org/stories/an-iconic-pilsen-mural-is-being-restored-to-carry-on-the-legacy-of-a-slain-peace-activist/95621445-7c1a-45a5-ba64-f027d05b7615

https://youtu.be/WNIvczXZNhk?si=perwVQ9ayNp9dlGA

Richard P. Haljean

Rick Haljean was a retired Police Officer with 27 years of service with the Chicago Police Department, and previously served in the suburb of Harwood Heights. He coached kids in Dunham Park, where he had grown up playing hockey and baseball. He was an active supporter of the animal rescue, Garrido’s Stray Rescue Foundation.

Officer Haljean was a pedestrian victim of a hit and run on the Northwest side of Chicago. The driver later surrendered to police.

Veteran: Marines

---

Honorary Officer Richard P. Haljean WAY

7200 Block of North Oriole Avenue

 

Approved: March 2024

Ward: 41
Alderman: Anthony Napolitano
Neighborhood: Edison Park

---

Source

20247336

https://blockclubchicago.org/2022/01/24/retired-police-officer-richard-haljean-killed-in-nw-side-hit-and-run-remembered-for-his-big-smile-and-decades-of-service/

https://abc7chicago.com/richard-haljean-edison-park-hit-and-run-charges-chicago-police-officer-killed/11618094/

https://youtu.be/6KX4xAmOcog?si=ai4iiwIBJuJVQsg0

Miguel 'Nene' Padilla, Jr.

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/

Police Officer Andres M. Vasquez Lasso

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

Maime Till-Mobley

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

Mateo Zastro

Mateo Zastro was 3-years old when his mother’s car was caught in gunfire from a nearby road rage incident. He was the only one of the passengers, including his mother and 3 siblings, who were hit.

---

Honorary Mateo Zastro WAY

South Kildare Avenue between 6800 and 6900

 

Approved: July 2023

Ward: 23
Alderman: Silvana Tabares
Neighborhood: West Lawn

d. September 30, 2022. Age 3

---

Source

20231203S

https://chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2024/04/01/chicago-police-3-year-old-boy-killed-mateo-zastro-grief-unsolved-slaying-city-hall-west-lawn-crime

https://chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2022/9/30/23381543/3-year-old-boy-shot-killed-west-lawn-drive-by-marquette-kenneth-mateo-zastro-chicago

Areanah M. Preston

Officer Areanah M. Preston had been a Chicago Police Officer for 3 years when she was robbed and murdered outside her home as she returned from a shift. She died days before her graduation from Law School; her diploma was received in a special recognition on the stage at graduation by her family.

Alum
Loyola University
Chicago Police Academy

---

Honorary Officer Areanah M. Preston WAY

South Blackstone Avenue between 81st Street and 82nd Street

 

Approved: July 2023

Ward: 08
Alderman: Michelle Harris
Neighborhood: Avalon Park

b. June 7, 1998
d. May 6, 2023. Age 24

---

Source

20231215

https://wgntv.com/news/chicago-news/loved-ones-honor-life-of-fallen-cpd-officer-1-year-after-murder/

https://youtu.be/A4MnwKq1-B0?si=dlsWh2gMPIJude71

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/oak-lawn-il/areanah-preston-11283050

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

---

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/

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/

Michael H. Bankston III

Michael Bankston asked a woman if she needed help during a domestic dispute in public. The assailant shot Michael six times.

---

Honorary Michael H. Bankston, III Avenue

West Wrightwood Avenue, at North Logan Boulevard going to North Spaulding Avenue

 

Approved: May 2022

Ward: 35
Alderman: Ramirez-Rosa
Neighborhood: Logan Square

d. age 25

---

Source

20221760

Benji Wilson

Benji Wilson was a high school basketball team captain of the Simeon Wolverines, who died as the result of gun violence. He was a very talented player. By sophomore year he had already made the varsity team. In 1984, his senior year, he was ranked the top high school player in the country and anticipated scholarships from multiple universities.

His jersey number was 25. In his honor this number was worn by his teammate, Nick Anderson when he attended University of Illinois, by Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls, and by Brandon Sherrod Wilson, Benji’s son who was 10 weeks old when his father died.

Two documentaries have been filmed about his life and death: 2012 Benji, which premiered on ESPN; 2020 Two Sides of the Gun: A Story of Reconciliation. The 2020 film included the fulfillment of the dying wish of his mother, for her family and surviving sons to publicly forgive the murderer.

Alum:
Neal F. Simeon Vocational High School

---

Honorary Benji Wilson Way

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

 

Approved: May 2022

Ward: 6
Alderman: Sawyer
Neighborhood: Chatham

b. March 18, 1967
d. November 21, 1984

---

Source
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Wilson_(basketball)

20221617

Carlos F. Pagan

Carlos Pagan was a 19-year old shooting victim in the Albany Park neighborhood.

Alum:

Theodore Roosevelt High School

---

Honorary Carlos F. Pagan Way

North Albany Avenue from West Argyle Street to West Carmen Avenue

 

Approved: April 2022

Ward: 33
Alderman: Rodriguez-Sanchez
Neighborhood: Albany Park

d. 2018. Age 19

---

Source

https://blockclubchicago.org/2018/08/07/albany-park-neighbors-help-pay-funeral-costs-in-possible-mistaken-identity-murder/

2022843

Dwain P Williams

Dwain Williams was a 26 year veteran of the Chicago Fire Department. In 1992 he served as an Emergency Medical Technician to Engine 122 and later as a Fire Academy instructor in hazardous incidents and terrorist response. In 2018 he retired having achieved the rank of Lieutenant. He also worked in the Office of Emergency Management and Communication as a Watch Officer.

Prior to his time in the Chicago Fire Department, he served in the Army in international locations and in the Reserves as a Wire Systems Installer and Operator and at the 501st Signal Battalion and the 101st Airborne Assault Division. He was a decorated soldier and was an expert sharpshooter and hand grenade expert.

Dwain was intellectually curious and deeply knowledgeable. He earned four degrees and more than 80 certifications in professional and independent studies. He also had a passion for basketball, music and chess. He was a guitarist and went by the stage name “D-Sharp” with RAM Band and Mixed Nutz.

He taught computers and physical education at St. Phillip Neri School

Mentored at risk youth and athletics at the Chicago Park District

Listed in Who’s Who of Outstanding Young Americans

Veteran: Army. Active Duty 1976, Army Reserves
American Legion - George Giles Post #87

Alumnus:
Additional degrees and certifications
Harper High School
Altgeld Elementary School

---

Honorary Lt. Dwain P. Williams Way

South Peoria Street, between 95th Street and 98th Street

 

Approved: February 2022

Ward: 34 and 21
Alderman: Austin and Brookins
Neighborhood: Longwood Manor

b. April 19, 1955
d. December 3, 2020. Age 65

---

Source

2022255,181

Brandon William McGhee

Brandon was a 23-year old artist who was killed in a random act of gun violence. He was a good person who looked out for others. A classmate described him as a “beautiful soul.” He had played basketball and football at Lake View High School and worked at WhirlyBall, an entertainment center.

A mural in Brandon’s honor has been painted at the Logan Square Blue Line Station by local artist and friend of Brandon’s family, Tyrue “Slang” Jones.

Alumni:
Lake View High School

---

Honorary Brandon William McGhee Way

West Homer Street from North Western Avenue to North Rockwell Street

 

Approved: 2021

Ward: 1
Alderman: La Spata
Neighborhood: Wicker Park

d. 2020. Age 23

---

Source
Mural

Kaylyn Pryor Way

Kaylyn Pryor was a 20 year old model and aspiring law student when she was the unintended victim of a shooting. Kaylyn had been visiting her grandmother and was waiting for a bus which would take her back to her home in Evanston when she was shot. Earlier the same year she had won the Mario Triccoci “Make Me a Model” Competition and was days away from signing a modeling contract. Her killer has not been found.

Alumna:
Robert Morris University
Evanston Township High School

---

Honorary Kaylyn Pryor

May Street between 74th Street and 75th Street

 

Approved: February 2021

Ward: 17
Alderman: Moore
Neighborhood: Englewood

b. February 19, 1995
d. November 2, 2015. Age 20

---

Source

Janari Ricks Way

Janari Ricks was a 9-year old child who was the unintended victim of a shooting. The gunman fired into a group of adults and children in the Cabrini rowhouses.

---

Honorary Janari Ricks Way

Southwest corner of North Cleveland and West Division Streets

 

Approved: October 2020

Ward: 27
Alderman: Burnett
Neighborhood: Cabrini Green

d. July 31, 2020

Near
Cabrini Rowhouses

Lena Marie Nunez Anaya Way

Lena was a 10 year old girl who was watching television with her brother in their grandmother’s apartment when a stray bullet came through the window and killed her. She was the innocent victim of gang violence a block away. A vigil was held by the community the next day.

The releasing of the white balloons pic.twitter.com/FzbEFoeZKI

— Mina Bloom (@mina_bloom_) June 30, 2020

Police have made an arrest in the shooting death of 10-year-old Lena Nunez, who was visiting her grandmother in Logan Square in late June when shew as shot i...

---

Honorary Lena Marie Nunez Anaya Way

West Dickens Avenue, from North Drake Avenue to North St. Louis Avenue

 

Ward: 35
Alderman: Ramirez-Rosa
Neighborhood: Logan Square

b. September 7, 2009
d. June 28, 2020. Age 10. Chicago

---

Source

Block Club

Twitter

WBEZ

Neftali Reyes, Jr. Way

Neftali “Buzzo” Reyes was 19 years old, he graduated with honors from Roberto Clemente High School in the Humboldt Park neighborhood. He was a star athlete and an outstanding sportsman for the Wildcats. It was his dream to be a Major League Baseball Pitcher. Neftali was on a full scholarship at Claflin University in South Carolina. He was at home in Chicago for the holidays and recovering from a sports injury when a stranded friend called in need of a ride late one night. Neftali became the innocent victim of a shooting.

Alumni:
Roberto Clemente Community Academy High School

---

Honorary Netfali “Buzzo” Reyes, Jr. Way

1000 and 1100 blocks of West Luis Muniz Marin Drive

 

Approved: April 2020

Ward: 26
Alderman: Maldonado
Neighborhood: Humboldt Park

b. May 3, 1998. Chicago
d. December 29, 2017. Age 19.

Near
Little Cubs Field in Humboldt Park

---

Source

Bobby Cann Way

Bicyclist, 26-year old Bobby Cann, was killed by a motorist while on his commute home from work. He had been a avid cyclist and advocate for bicycle awareness, safe biking and driving practices, and dedicated bike lanes. 

Two weeks before his death he participated in the Ride of Silence, the 3rd Wednesday in May, to raise awareness and mourn the loss of bicyclists.

The City of Chicago installed protected bike lanes along the stretch of street where the accident took place. The driver was charged with reckless homicide and aggravated drunk driving.

---

Bobby Cann Way

Northwest corner of Clybourn and Larrabee

Approved: September 2013
Ward: 27
Alderman: Burnett
Dedication: October 25, 2013

Neighborhood: Old Town / Clybourn Corridor

May 29, 2013. Age 26.

 

---

Memorial ghost bike, on Clybourn, one block south of sign on east side of street

---

Bobby Cann, Huffington Post (Ret. May 30, 2017)
Bobby Cann Memorial, DNAinfo (Ret. May 30, 2017)
Memorial for Cyclist Robert Cann, Tribune (Ret. May 30, 2017)