Merri Dee

Merri Dee had a long career in Chicago media as a television anchor on WGN-TV, Channel 9, from 1972-1983; then as Director of Community Relations and manager of the the stations Children’s Charities until 2008. After leaving broadcasting she served the Illinois Chapter of AARP until 2022.

She was born, Mary Francis Dorham in Chicago. Her first job was in radio in Harvey, Illinois at WBEE. She then went to WCIU, followed by WSNS where she hosted her own talk show The Merri Dee Show.

In 1971, she survived a kidnapping and murder attempt. She was involved in Illinois’ adoption of the Victim’s Bill of Rights in 1992, which became the basis of legislation in other states. Merri Dee was well known for her work with charities and has received several awards.

Alum
Midwestern Broadcasting School
Xavier University, Louisiana
Englewood Technical Prep Academy, Chicago

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Honorary Merri Dee Way

1300 South Damen Avenue at West 13th Street

 

Approved: November 2013

Ward: 02
Alderman: Fioretti
Neighborhood: Near West Side/Illinois Medical District

b. October 30, 1936 in Chicago
d. March 16, 2022. Age 85

---

Source

20137731

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merri_Dee

https://youtu.be/EvPbpe_OiFs?si=X1e2qDKlxRQbKjtg

Emmett Till

Emmett Louis Till was a 14-year old from Chicago, when he was lynched, disfigured, and brutally murdered in Mississippi while visiting relatives in 1955. 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 Emmett’s body were published in Jet Magazine. His mother, Maime, insisted that the visitation for his funeral be held with an open casket. It was held in Chicago at Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ, and was attended by thousands of visitors and the press.

“Let the people see what they did to my boy.”

Maime and Emmett 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 Emmett Till and Maime Till-Mobley House Museum. They were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2022. His mother, Maime Till-Mobley, had an honorary sign dedicated in Chicago in 2023.

Alum
James McCosh Elementary School

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Honorary Emmett Till WAY

 

Approved: 2013 * (most recent)

Neighborhood: Avalon Park

b. July 25, 1941 in Chicago
d. August 28, 1955. Age 14. in Mississippi

---

Source

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.blacksingreen.org/till-house-museum

https://abcnews.go.com/US/emmett-till-mamie-till-mobley-awarded-congressional-gold/story?id=95711344

“Till” Movie Trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7INlp2fkZto

William Friedkin

William Friedkin was an Academy Award winning director and screenwriter. His 1971 film, The French Connection, won multiple Academy Awards; his 1973 film and horror movie classic, The Exorcist, was nominated for Best Director.

After high school he worked at WGN-TV and WTTW; shortly thereafter he started producing documentaries and films.

Academy Awards

The French Connection (1972 Best Director)

The Exorcist (1974 Nomination for Best Director)

Alum
Senn High School

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Honorary William Friedkin WAY

5855 to 5920 North Ridge Avenue

 

Approved: May 2024

Ward: 48
Alderman: Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth
Neighborhood: Edgewater

b. August 29, 1935 in Chicago
d. August 7, 2023. Age 87

near
Senn High School

Sign Dedication: June 10, 2024 at the corner of Ardmore and Ridge

Photo: Honorary William Friedkin Way - HonoraryChicago.com / Linda Zabors

---

Source

20248596

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Friedkin

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001243/awards/

https://news.wttw.com/2023/08/07/chicago-native-william-friedkin-oscar-winning-director-exorcist-and-french-connection

https://youtu.be/HNgqpZqonOI?si=o8GX7ZgYxNQMO5zd

Colleen J. Flood

Colleen J. Flood was the owner of the Four Treys Tavern and helped to establish the neighborhood of Roscoe Village. She also initiated the “Retro on Roscoe” Festival and Car Show, as well as Winterfest and the Halloween Parade. She moved to Roscoe Village in 1979 and opened a beauty salon. Over the years she bought additional buildings and rental units in the area and established it as a family friendly and dog friendly neighborhood.

Alum
Carl Schurz High School (Chicago)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by FourTreys (@fourtreys)

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Honorary Colleen J. Flood WAY

North Damen Avenue between West Henderson Street and West Roscoe Street

 

Approved: May 2024

Ward: 32
Alderman: Scott Waguespack
Neighborhood: Roscoe Village

b. August 22, 1944
d. September 19, 2023. Age 79

near
Four Treys Tavern
3333 N. Damen

---

Source

20248766

https://chicago.suntimes.com/obituaries/2023/10/13/23916149/colleen-flood-owner-of-the-four-treys-tavern-who-helped-revitalize-roscoe-village-dead-at-79

https://www.facebook.com/fourtreys/

https://www.instagram.com/fourtreys/

Richard Hunt

Richard Hunt was a famous sculptor who spent his life and career in Chicago. He designed soaring sculptures from metal, many of which are monuments to figures and events of the Civil Rights Movement and African-American history. He has installations of more than 160 public sculptures across the United States. Richard Hunt was the first African-American visual artist to be appointed to the National Council on the Arts (1968, Lyndon B. Johnson).

He grew up in the Woodlawn and Englewood neighborhoods on the South Side of Chicago. A defining event in his life was at age 19 when he attended the funeral of his neighbor, Emmitt Till, a 14- year old black teenager from Chicago who was lynched and murdered while visiting Mississippi in 1955. Five years later, while serving in the U.S. Army, Richard Hunt was the first African-American to be served at a desegregated lunch counter in Alamo Plaza, Texas.

Richard Hunt has numerous awards and honorary degrees. One of his last sculptures was Book Bird, the first artwork commissioned for the Obama Presidential Center.

Veteran: Army

Alum:
The Art Institute of Chicago
South Side Community Arts Center (SSCAC)

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A walking tour of select Richard Hunt sculptures in Chicago
https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/01/07/richard-hunt-sculpture-guide

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Honorary Richard Hunt Place

West Lill Avenue from North Sheffield Avenue to North Racine Avenue

 

Approved: April 2024

Ward: 43
Alderman: Knudsen
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park

b. September 12, 1935 in Chicago
d. December 16, 2023. Age 88.

Near:
Richard Hunt Studio
Lincoln Avenue at Lill Avenue

Dedicated: September 12, 2024
on what would have been Richard Hunt’s 89th birthday

---

Source

2024

https://www.richardhuntsculptor.com/obituary

https://blockclubchicago.org/2024/02/29/remembering-richard-hunt-the-legendary-sculptor-who-inspired-artists-in-chicago-and-beyond/

https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/mayor/press_room/press_releases/2023/december/richard-hunt-passing.html

Inside Richard Hunt’s artist studio in Lincoln Park. September 2024. Photo: Honorary Chicago/Linda Zabors

Larry (Lawrence) Thurm

Coach Larry Thurm started a baseball league at Bell Park in 1985, which expanded and grew to include Riis Park and Sayre Park and a wide range of age groups.

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Honorary Coach Larry (Lawrence) Thurm WAY

North Oak Park Avenue from West Barry Avenue to West Wellington Avenue

 

Approved: March 2024

Ward: 36
Alderman: Gilbert Villegas
Neighborhood: Portage Park

b. September 30, 1935 in Chicago
d. October 29, 2023. Age 88

Near
Bell Park and Riis Park

---

Source

20247707

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/chicago-il/lawrence-thurm-11515218

Shel Silverstein

Shel Silverstein was most famous for his children’s books; he was also a cartoonist, a poet, a playwright, and a song writer.

His books include: The Giving Tree (1964), Where the Sidewalk Ends (1974), A Light in the Attic (1981), Falling Up (1996), Uncle Shelby’s ABZ Book, among others.

He also wrote songs performed by: Johnny Cash “A Boy Named Sue,” Emmylou Harris “Queen of the Silver Dollar,” and The Irish Rovers “Unicorn Song.” He collaborated on the David Mamet screenplay Things Change (1988).

Shel Silverstein won two Grammy Awards, and was nominated for Academy Awards and Golden Globe Awards. He was inducted into the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame (2014), and the Songwriters Hall of Fame (2002).

WHEN I AM GONE
When I am gone what will you do?
Who will write and draw for you?
Someone smarter—someone new?
Someone better—maybe YOU!

- Shel Silverstein

Veteran: Army. Served in Japan and Korea

Alum:
Theodore Roosevelt High School, Albany Park - Chicago
University of Illinois
Chicago Academy of Fine Arts

---

---

Honorary Shel Silverstein WAY

Northwest Corner of North Kimball Avenue and West Wilson Avenue - to the Southwest Corner of North Kimball Avenue and West Leland Avenue *

 

Approved: March 2024

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

b. September 25, 1930 in Chicago
d. May 10, 1999. Age 67. Key West, Florida

Near:
Theodore Roosevelt High School
3436 W. Wilson Avenue

---

Source

20247233

https://www.shelsilverstein.com/about-shel/

https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/shel-silverstein

https://www.nytimes.com/1999/05/11/books/shel-silverstein-zany-writer-and-cartoonist-dies-at-67.html

* Amended July 2024 - changed location of sign

Clifford E. Turner

Chief Apostle Dr. Clifford E. Turner, PhD. founded Liberty Temple Full Gospel Church in 1982, and Liberty International Network: 8 Liberty Churches, a Christian TV in 2002, and film production - HolyWood Studios. Outreach includes GED support to residents of public housing and citizens returning from incarceration.

Veteran: Army

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Honorary Chief Apostle Dr. Clifford E. Turner

South Oakley Avenue between West 79th Street and West 79th Place

 

Approved: October 2023

Ward: 18
Alderman: Derrick Curtis
Neighborhood: Auburn Gresham / Beverly View

b. October 13, 1950 in Chicago
d. January 16, 2018. Age 67

near
Liberty Temple Church
2233 W. 79th Street

---

Source

20233907

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=4296004533762318

https://libertytemple.org/locations/chicago/

https://libertytemple.org/product-category/cet/

https://www.goldengate-funeralhome.com/obituary/4539971

Prince Asiel Ben Israel

Prince Asiel Ben Israel (born Warren Brown) was the owner of the Original Soul Vegetarian restaurant (now Soul Veg City), which served vegan food on the South Side of Chicago and opened in 1981. The restaurant has continued on under the guidance of his children. It is one of the earliest black-owned vegan restaurants in the country. It promotes healthy, plant-based diets to prevent chronic disease.

He was also a member of the African Hebrew Israelite Nation of Jerusalem and studied in several countries. He served as an advisor to the World Conference of Mayors, the U.S. Congressional Black Caucus, and was a member of the African American Clergy Network of Chicago. He served to support Black populations in North America, Africa, and Israel.

Alum
DePaul University
Dunbar Vocational High School, Chicago

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Honorary Prince Asiel Ben Israel WAY

East 75th Street between South Indiana Avenue and South Prairie Avenue

 

Approved: April 2023

Ward: 06
Alderman: William Hall
Neighborhood: Chatham

b. April 30, 1941 in Chicago
d. August 21, 2022. Age 81

near
Soul Veg City Restaurant
201-209 E 75th Street

---

Source

20231260

https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/prince-asiel-ben-israel

https://www.soulvegcity.com/about

https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/2022/9/2/23334949/prince-asiel-ben-israel-chicago-black-hebrew-leader-memorial-service

https://www.blackjews.org/prince-asiel-ben-israel/

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/

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/

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

Mary Delores Espinosa-Matos

Mary Delores Espinosa-Matos was a preschool teacher at El Hogar del Nino, in the Pilsen neighborhood. She began teaching in 1985 and dedicated her life to helping migrant families.

Alum:

Roosevelt University
Richards Vocational High School

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Honorary Mary Delores Espinosa-Matos Way

West 19th Street from South Racine Ave to South Allport

 

Approved: April 2022

Ward: 25
Alderman: Sigcho-Lopez
Neighborhood: Pilsen

b. October 7, 1948 in Chicago
d. February 22, 2002 Age 53.

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Source

https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2002-02-26-0202260162-story.html

2022832

Louis Albert Fitzgerald, Jr.

Louis Fitzgerald was a life-long civic servant in Chicago. Regional Director of the Midwest Division for the US Department of Labor. He also served on the Chatham Avalon Community Council. Louis was a talk show host of “Conversation Peace” on Channel 26. He also hosted talk radio shows on WIND and WVON.

Veteran: Army

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Honorary Louis Albert Fitzgerald, Jr. Way

Honore Street, from South 84th Street to South 86th Street

 

Approved: April 2022

Ward: 21
Alderman: Brookins
Neighborhood: Auburn Gresham

b. January 26, 1929 in Chicago
d.

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Source

2022912

Big Tom (Thomas F. Markham, Jr.)

Thomas F. Markham, Jr was a very popular, multi-sport coach in the Clearing neighborhood at St. Symphorosa Catholic School. At 6 feet, 6 inches in height - he was known by all as “Big Tom.” Sports was always part of his life and the grand legacy that he passed on to his children and all the young athletes he coached through the years.

Tom grew up on the southwest side of Chicago

Alumnus:

Grimes School
De LaSalle High School
Northern Michigan University

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Honorary Big Tom Way

6000 block of South Melvina Avenue

 

Approved: March 2022

Ward: 13
Alderman: Quinn
Neighborhood: Clear Ridge

b. July 4, 1957
d. 2017. Age 59

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Source

2022619

Richard Driehaus

Richard Herman Driehaus was one of the most influential people in mutual fund investing. He founded Driehaus Securities in 1979 and Driehaus Capital Management in 1982. He was born and raised in Brainerd neighborhood on Chicago’s southwest side, to a family of modest means. He became one of the top financiers and philanthropist in Chicago.

Beauty, harmony, and context are hallmarks of classical architecture, thus fostering communities, enhancing the quality of our shared environment, and developing sustainable solutions through traditional materials.” —Richard H. Driehaus

He, and the Driehaus Foundation, engaged in philanthropy, especially historic preservation, classical architecture, collecting, the arts, and education. The Driehaus Museum is an exceptional mansion restored inside and out to the Guilded Age and a decorative arts. He initiated the Richard H. Driehaus Prize for Architecture. Even though he was not an architect, he was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award 2015 from American Institute of Architects. He was also honored with the Order of Lincoln Award in 2017, the highest honor bestowed by the State of Illinois.

Alumnus:
DePaul University
University of Illinois at Chicago
Southeast Junior College
St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic School

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Honorary Richard Driehaus Way

East Erie Street between Wabash Street and Rush Street

 

Approved:

Ward:
Alderman:
Neighborhood:

Near the Driehaus Museum
40 East Erie Street

b. July 27, 1942 in Chicago
d. March 9, 2021. Age 78 in Chicago

---

Source: New York Times Obituary

Driehaus Capital Management, About Richard Driehaus

Dr. Lester Fisher

Dr. Lester Fisher was the first veterinarian and director of the Lincoln Park Zoo from 1962 to 1992. He led the zoo to become a leading institution in Chicago and among zoos around the world. Under his leadership the zoo developed habitats, not just cages, for animals. He also led conservation efforts and plans for species survival - he specialized in primates.

Dr Fisher appeared regularly on televisions shows including: Zoo Parade, Bozo’s Circus, and the Ray Rayner Show “Ark in the Park” segment.

Lester Fisher was born in Chicago and served in WWII as a veterinarian; among his duties were treating General Patton’s bull terrier, Willie.

Veteran: WWII. Army

Alumni:
University of Iowa

Autobiography: Dr. Fisher’s Life on the Ark

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Honorary Dr. Lester Fisher Way

Stockton Drive at the Ridge Connecting Drive bridge. Outside the Lincoln Park Zoo

 

Approved:

Ward:
Alderman:
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park

b. February 24, 1921
d. December 22, 2021. Age 100

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Source

Archbishop Lucius Hall

Lucius Hall was the founded of the First Church of Love and Faith, in Chicago’s Auburn-Gresham Neighborhood in 1980, one year after becoming a minister. Lucius was the Executive Director of the Head Start program at his church. In 2010 he became an Archbishop by the Metropolitan Spiritual Churches of Christ, inc. For twenty years (1990-2010) he was the Executive Director of Chicago Gospel Fest. During the same timeframe, he served as Chairman of City of Chicago Personnel and Human Resources Board under two Chicago Mayors.

Music was a huge part of Lucius’ life and his ministry. As a teenager he was a radio announcer and later the Channel 26 WCIU producer and host of the “Rock of Ages Gospel Hour.” In 1979 he founded the Broadcast Ministries Alliance, and later hosted the groups Cable TV program.

After serving in the US Army he had a thirty year career with the Veterans Administration. He became a minister in 1979 and founded or co-founded several programs and organizations including: one of the first food pantries in his neighborhood, and an international organization of US and West African churches - The First Spiritual Churches of Truth, Inc.

Veteran: Army, Military Police

Born in Chicago

Alumni:
Burke Grade School
DuSable High School
University of Illinois at Chicago
Gospel Outreach Theological Institute. Houston, TX (Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree)

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Honorary Archbishop Lucius Hall

West 79th Street, between South Seeley Avenue and South Hamilton Avenue

 

Approved: February 2021

Ward: 18
Alderman: Curtis
Neighborhood: Auburn-Gresham

d. April 2, 2020. Age 87.

The First Church of Love and Faith
2140 West 79th Street

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Source
Chicago Sun-Times
Chicago Crusader

'Majic' Juan Suarez Way

Juan Suarez was a very popular DJ of House and Freestyle on WCYC in 1984, and later WCEV, and WRLL radio. Juan was born in Chicago and grew up in the Little Village neighborhood. At age 9 he lost his sight, but that did not stop him from pursuing the life in music he loved. He started his career as a DJ, spinning vinyl records at age 20.

Born in Chicago

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Honorary 'Majic' Juan Suarez Way

West 28th Street, from South Lawndale Avenue to South Ridgeway Avenue

 

Approved: January 2021

Ward: 22
Alderman: Rodriguez
Neighborhood: Little Village

b. May 26, 1965. Chicago
d. November 17, 2020. Age 55. Cancer and COVID

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Source

Phil Doran Way

Phil Doran, Sr. was a life-long Chicagoan from the Beverly neighborhood. He and his wife met in grade school. He was a lawyer and was active in his community and parish as a committed volunteer and former Chairman of the Board of the Franciscan Outreach.

Alumni:
Christ the King Elementary School and Parish
St. Ignatius High School
John Carroll University
Northwestern University - Law

Born in Chicago

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Honorary Phil Doran Way

South Hamilton Avenue, between West 92nd Street and West 93rd Street

 

Approved: 2020

Ward: 19
Alderman: O’Shea
Neighborhood: Beverly

b. November 6, 1940. Chicago
d. September 18, 2020. Age 79.

Near
Christ the King Church

---

Source

Beverly Review