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222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza
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: civic

Lemuel Austin, Jr.

Linda Zabors

Lemuel Austin, Jr. was elected alderman of Chicago’s 34th Ward in 1987 and served three terms as chairman of the Committee on Budget and Government Operations for the City Council. Previously he worked for Illinois Senators and the Cook County Sherrif’s Department, Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation, the Chicago Transit Authority, and the Post Office.

Lemuel supported diversity contracting in the City of Chicago and residency quotas.
In 1993 he was awarded “Man of the Year” by the International Union of Operating Engineers Local #150.

He died of a heart attack while in the office of Alderman. His widow, Carrie is the current Alderman of the Ward.

Alumnus

Richard J. Daley City College of Chicago
Carter J. Harrison High School

Honorary Lemuel Austin Way

South Normal Avenue between 110th Street and 111th Street

 

Approved: November 2021

Ward: 34
Alderman: Austin
Neighborhood: Pullman

d. 1994. Age 48

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categories street
tags 2021, Pullman, civic, Ward 34

Robert Myers Way

Linda Zabors

An excerpt from…

A Tribute to Robert L. Myers from the City Council of Chicago
February 22, 2017

 In 1984, Bob became a journeyman with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Trade School. He began a career with the City of Chicago in 1987 as a streetlight repairman in the Department of Streets and Sanitation. Bob worked diligent to all tasks and rose through the ranks, eventually becoming the managing deputy commissioner, the third highest ranked position within the Department of Transportation. He demonstrated marked experience and skill in management, public relations, telecommunications, operations and hands-on community amenities to constituents of every age across this great city, selflessly providing quality service to aldermen, peers, staff and laymen alike...

Bob entered into sunset surrounded by his family and close friends. He will be held in the highest esteem as one of the hardest working city employees and one of the best dressed people in City Hall. His indomitable spirit, ceaseless allegiance and distinct sense of style will long and indelibly convey pleasure to those who knew and worked with him. His exemplary service, attention to detail, care and concern will undoubtedly be missed.

****
An excerpt from the City Council Meeting on 2/22/2017

 Honorary Robert L. Myers Way

west 85th Place from California Avenue to Rockwell Avenue

 

Approved: February 2018

Ward: 18
Alderman: Derrick Curtis
Neighborhood: Ashburn

d. 2017

 
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categories street
tags civic, Bob, Honorary Brown Sign, Honorary Street

Ronald Lucius Salazar Way

Linda Zabors

Ron Salazar was an architect who worked for the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. He helped coordinate several of Chicago’s biggest events including: Taste of Chicago, Maxwell Street Market, and Christkindlmarket, exhibitions and events at Daley Plaza. He was born in Manila and was very involved with Filipino arts, history, and cultural institutions in Chicago. This included the Phiippine-American Cultural Foundation, the Filipino American Historical Society, community centers and theater groups.

Alumni: University of Illinois at Chicago UIC

Honorary Ronald Lucius Salazar Way

North Elston between Cicero and Kimberly

Approved: April 2019
Ward: 39
Alderman: Margaret Laurino
Neighborhood: Albany Park

Born in the Philippines
d. 2019. age 53

 
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categories street
tags Honorary Street, Honorary Brown Sign, civic, Philippines, UIC, Architecture, 2019

Honorable Clark Burrus Way

Linda Zabors

Clark Burrus was the head of Finance for the City of Chicago and later Vice Chairman of Chicago's largest bank and an expert in issues pertaining to minorities in public finance.  He was born and raised in Chicago.

After graduating from Roosevelt University in 1954 with his undergraduate degree he worked for the City of Chicago. During his 25 years with the City he served under 7 Chicago Mayors. He became Comptroller of the City of Chicago in 1973. In this role he was the head of the Department of Finance and the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for Chicago. He was the first African-American to hold this office.

Burrus had many great achievements during his career with the City. He established billions of dollars in capital improvements for Chicago infrastructure including the CTA, Metra, and Pace. He also brought Chicago's accounting practices in order; under his leadership the City of Chicago earned a AA-bond rating.  This was important because in 1979 the whole country was engulfed in an economic crisis.  Having a strong credit rating was immensely helpful in getting Chicago through financial tough times.

Several bank acquisitions and mergers occurred in the 1990s and 2000s. First National Bank of Chicago is now known as Chase Bank.

Next Clark worked First National Bank of Chicago from 1979 until 1988.  He retired as Vice Chairman of Capital Markets and was the co-leader of Public Banking. 

Watch this Chicago History Museum oral history with Clark Burrus from May 22, 2012

His civic involvements were many; he was on the board of several Chicago organizations including: Chicago Council of Urban Affairs, The Economic Development Council, The Harold Washington Foundation, Urban Gateways.  

Honorary Clark Burrus Way was dedicated the first week in August, 2017.  The sign unveiling was hosted by Alderman Ed Burke of the 14th Ward, who is the head of the Finance Committee. Other Chicago dignitaries included: Carole Mosley Braun, Carole Brown, Dorothy Brown. Clark Burrus' widow, Lucille, and a showing of fifty family members attended the ceremony in front of the bank where he once worked. 

Honorable Clark Burrus Way

Ward: 42
Alderman: Reilly (42), and Burke (14)
Neighborhood: Loop
Dedicated: August 2017

November 5, 1928 - June 17, 2015. Age 86

Englewood High School. 1946
Roosevelt University MPA, Master of Public Administration 1972

 

Updated: August 3, 2017

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categories profile, street
tags Chicago Born, civic, Honorary Street, streets, Business, blm