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Chicago, IL, 60654

312-380-9883

Chicago's honorary brown street signs, days, and commemorative honors; the who, what, where, when and why.  Honorary Chicago guide book, maps, biographies, history, trivia, tours, and gifts.

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Filtering by Tag: Violence

Fernando DeLeon

Linda Zabors

Fernando Miguel DeLeon grew up in the Humboldt Park neighborhood of Chicago. He was a member of the musical group “Los Perdidos” which had one of it’s songs featured in the Chicago film “Go For It.”

Alumni:
Kelvin Park High School
Funston Elementary


Honorary Fernando DeLeon Way

North Meade Avenue, from West Fullerton Avenue to West Grand Avenue

 

Approved: June 2024

Ward: 36
Alderman: Gilbert Villegas
Neighborhood: Belmont Craigin

b. April 12, 1986 in Puerto Rico
d.May 30, 2020 age 34 in Chicago

near
His home


Source

20249457

Emmett Till

Linda Zabors

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


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

Thor O. Soderberg

Linda Zabors

Police Officer Thor Odin Soderberg died in the line of duty during and armed robbery. He had served in the Chicago Police Department for 11 years, since 1999, and was an instructor at the Police Academy. His assailant was injured, arrested, and sentenced to life in prison.

A K-9 statue was dedicated in his honor at the Chicago Police Academy.

His widow established July 7th, the date of his death, as Pay It Forward Day in his honor and to remember him for how he lived, through small daily acts of kindness.

Veteran: Army


Honorary P.O. Thor O. Soderberg CPD WAY

1300 block of West Jackson Boulevard from South Throop Street to South Loomis Street

 

Approved: May 2024

Ward: 38
Alderman: Nicholas Sposato
Neighborhood: West Loop

d. July 7, 2010

near
Chicago Police Training Division


Source

20248859

https://www.odmp.org/officer/20446-police-officer-thor-odin-soderberg

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=3278824992160859&set=a.204649096245146&paipv=0&eav=Afb1Pxp2hGc_KQhFJ61KF7sChaV2KGDtayjsdflhBsO__pEDLDjtenLm5mU1rRn2qjg

https://youtu.be/wHsqJAhhbn4?si=60wcwkRrZ8mx1cMa

https://blockclubchicago.org/2022/07/07/you-can-honor-slain-police-officer-thor-soderberg-with-small-acts-of-kindness-thursday-widow-says/

https://rememberingthor.com/

David "Boogie" Gonzalez

Linda Zabors

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

Linda Zabors

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.

Linda Zabors

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

Linda Zabors

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

Linda Zabors

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

Linda Zabors

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

Linda Zabors

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

Linda Zabors

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

Linda Zabors

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

Linda Zabors

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

Linda Zabors

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

Linda Zabors

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

Linda Zabors

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

Linda Zabors

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


Kaylyn Pryor Way

Linda Zabors

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


Janari Ricks Way

Linda Zabors

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

Linda Zabors

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.

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