WOOGMS

The Wellington-Oakdale Old Glory Marching Society (Woogms) has been hosting a neighborhood parade every Memorial Day and Labor Day since 1963. It continues to be hosted by local residents and features the Jesse White Tumblers and Drum Corps. Everyone participates in the parade by walking seven blocks with flags, family, kids, pets, bikes, and scooters.

The tagline of the parade is “Everyone marches, nobody watches!”
…except for the 2020 Memorial Day Woogms Parade, during the COVID-19 Pandemic, when “nobody marched, everyone watched.”

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Honorary Woogms alley

North Pine Grove Avenue between West Oakdale Avenue and West Wellington Avenue

 

Approved:

Ward: 44

Neighborhood: Lakeview

near
The starting point of the Woogms Parade

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Source

https://www.facebook.com/Woogms

https://www.instagram.com/p/C6cSD4IyhIk/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

https://youtu.be/cfM0Yk8JcKw?si=pucgFV-PeXLstoCe

https://www.youtube.com/live/ME0JwesEIuo?si=4RKln5mOtdf5FZeJ

Honorary Chicago Guidebook, Second Edition, Michigan Avenue and Beyond

Honorary Chicago featured on WBEZ Curious City

Listen to this great segment by Jessica Pupovac featuring “Honorary Swami Vivekananda Way.”

Linda Zabors of Honorary Chicago was interviewed for this article.

You don’t have to be famous — or even from Chicago — to get an honorary street sign

May 9, 2024
WBEZ Chicago’s NPR station 91.5 FM

Honorary Chicago blog post on Honorary Swami Vivekananda Way

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https://www.instagram.com/p/C67SqSmrYkQ/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Swami Vivekananda

Swami Vivekananda (born Narendranath Datta) was a delegate from India to the first Parliament of World Religions which was held in Chicago during the 1893 World’s Fair, the Columbian Exhibition. He was a Hindu monk who is credited with spreading Vedic traditions and Yoga to the West. His guru was Ramakrishna.

His speech “Sisters and Brothers of America,” which was given in the Art Institute building on September 11, 1893, called for religious tolerance and became famous around the world. The text of this speech was displayed in lights on the Grand Staircase of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2011 installation called Public Notice 3 by artist Jitish Kallat. This exhibit was reprised in September 2024.

Note: This sign has been moved from it’s original location directly outside the Art Institute. Look for it on the southeast corner of Michigan Avenue and Monroe Street on the traffic light pole.

Honorary Swami Vivekananda Way was featured on WBEZ Curious City in 2024

Public Notice 3 by artist Jitish Kallat. at Art Insitute of Chicago, September 12, 2024

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Honorary Swami Vivekananda WAY

Outside the Art Institute of Chicago on Michigan Avenue between Monroe Street and Jackson Street

 

Approved:

Ward: 42
Neighborhood: Michigan Avenue/Cultural Mile

b. January 12, 1863 in Calcutta, India
d. July 4, 1902. Age 39

near
The Art Institute of Chicago, the location of the 1893 Parliament of World Religions
111 S. Michigan Avenue

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Source

https://www.artic.edu/swami-vivekananda-and-his-1893-speech

https://www.artic.edu/articles/710/sisters-and-brothers-of-america-swami-vivekananda-in-chicago

https://chicagovedanta.org/sv.html

https://chicagovedanta.org/1893.html

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

https://www.wbez.org/stories/seeing-things-jitish-kallats-public-notice-3/feaa07f9-1b60-4355-b754-269a51d8ba47?utm_medium=url_copy

Honorary Chicago Guidebook, Second Edition, Michigan Avenue and Beyond

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.

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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

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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

Keith O. Tate

Keith O. Tate was a leader of the Chatham Avalon Park Community Council (CAPCC) for more than 20 years. A community organization dedicated to improving the lives of neighbors through education, housing, and business. He also worked at the University of Illinois Medical Center for 25 years, and also Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago, and St. Mary’s Medical Center in Gary, Indiana.

CAPCC was co-founded in 1955 by Elwin Tate, who brought Keith to meetings and had him involved from a young age. In 1987 hundreds of residents were joined by Mayor Harold Washington in Cole Park to support a community development initiative which succeeded in raising money to buy and revitalize vacant properties; the event was featured on the television news program 60 Minutes. Through the years CAPCC attracted national retailers and black owned movie theaters to the community.

Alum
Colorado State University
Hales Franciscan High School
St. Dorothy Elementary School

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Honorary Keith O. Tate Memorial WAY

East 79th Street between South Rhodes Avenue and South Lawrence Avenue

 

Approved: April 2024

Ward: 06
Alderman: William Hall
Neighborhood: Chatham

b. April 14, 1949
d. December 17, 2018. Age 69

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Source

20247805

https://citizennewspapergroup.com/news/2019/feb/20/keith-ovid-tate-shining-star-greater-chatham-commu/

Coleman Brothers

Coleman Brothers barbershops have been a fixture in the community for generations. The Colemans were father figures and older brothers to the neighborhood. They helped youth stay in school, pursue careers, and take care of family.

The brothers arrived in Chicago from Alabama in 1955 as part of the Great Migration of African-Americans from the southern states.

There were two locations:

• 63rd and Dorchester (Stephen and Ernest) closed

• 68th and Stony Island (est. 1963. James and Richard)

Through the years families as well as celebrities have been long time customers of Coleman Brothers. This quintessential south side Chicago barber shop has been a destination for more than 55 years.

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Honorary Coleman Brothers WAY

6800 South Stony Island to South Harper Avenue

 

Approved: April 2024

Ward: 05
Alderman: Desmon Yancy
Neighborhood: South Shore

d. 2018. Age 88 James. 2016 Richard

near
Coleman Brothers Barber Shop
6802 S. Stony Island

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Source

20248190

https://www.wbez.org/stories/it-was-the-place-to-be-to-have-conversations-barbershop-remembers-owner-james-g-coleman/cb426376-c5ad-4b44-aca0-4c761a614a83

https://chicago.suntimes.com/2018/5/7/18348367/founder-of-popular-south-side-barbershop-dies

https://youtu.be/3NJUYR6regQ?si=9YG2uyrmjRgc7lzY

https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/richard-coleman-obituary?pid=180503850

Officer James "Jimbo" Svec

James “Jimbo” Svec had served as a police officer in the Chicago Police Department for 20 years when he contracted COVID-19 in the line of duty and died as a result.

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Honorary Officer James “Jimbo” Svec WAY

South Kolmar Avenue between West 77th Place and West 79th Street

 

Approved: April 2024

Ward: 18
Alderman: Derrick Curtis
Neighborhood: Ashburn

b. October 15, 1962
d. December 8, 2021. Age 59

near
his home since 1989

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Source

20248242

https://odmp.org/officer/26486-police-officer-james-svec

https://memorials.lawnfh.com/james-svec/4799241/

https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/chicago-police-memorial-honoring-fallen-officers/

https://abc7chicago.com/james-svec-chicago-police-officer-covid-19-south-kolmar-avenue/14662716/

https://abc7chicago.com/community-events/street-named-in-honor-of-cpd-officer-who-died-from-covid-complications/14662716/

Jimmie Earl Storey

Jimmie Earl Storey became the Pastor of Sunrise Baptist Church in 1990 and served there for 32 years. He oversaw the building of their current location in 1997 and added a community center in 2007. He retired from his corporate career in Information Technoloogy in 2013, and pursued ministry full-time.

Alum
Libby Elementary School
Gage Park High School
Illinois Institute of Technology.

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Honorary Pastor Jimmie Earl Storey WAY

South Central Park Avenue and West Grenshaw Street

 

Approved: April 2024

Ward: 24
Alderman: Monique Scott
Neighborhood: Homan Square

b. September 15, 1954 in Mississippi
d. August 31, 2023

near
Sunrise Baptist Church
1101 S. Central Park Avenue

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Source

20248377

http://www.sunrisebaptistchurch.org/pastor-leaders-page

https://everloved.com/life-of/jimmie-storey/obituary/

https://www.smithandthomas.com/obituary/jimmie-storey

Harry J. Fishman

Harris (Harry) Fishman was owner of the largest fabric store in the country in 1958. It was established as a tailoring supply store by his father, Gerson Fishman on Union Street in 1903 after he emigrated from Russia. Harry took over the business in 1926, added fabrics and made it a successful retailer. His son, Jerry, started in the business in 1956.

As of 1991 it is now a fourth-generation family owned store.

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Honorary Harry J. Fishman WAY

Desplaines Street between Taylor Street and Roosevelt Road

 

Approved: April 2024

Ward: 28
Alderman: Jason Ervin
Neighborhood: South Loop

near
Fishman’s Fabrics
1101 S. Desplaines

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Source

2024

https://fishmansfabrics.com/about/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpEWXKvHeZY

https://youtu.be/PnyUL0NtmtE?si=M-KqrRllALdZrjPU

https://youtu.be/ZLjZzcVcbK4?si=hGWrZMLKp7WXJg5e

Samuel Julian Lay

Sam Lay was a R&B and blues singer and drummer. He recorded on Chess Records and performed with such greats as: Muddy Waters, Little Walter, The Original Thunderbirds, Willie Dixon, Junior Wells, and John Lee Hooker.

In 2015 he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He is also in the Blues Hall of Fame and the Jazz Hall of Fame.

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Honorary Samuel Julian Lay WAY

West Gladys Avenue between South Lavergne Avenue and South Leamington Avenue

 

Approved: April 2024

Ward: 29
Alderman: Chris Taliaferro
Neighborhood: Garfield Park/Austin

b. March 20, 1935
d. January 29, 2022. Age 86.

Sign dedication: October 12, 2024

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Source

20248335

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/05/arts/music/sam-lay-dead.html

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

https://youtu.be/whHiwh8ATLM?si=rDxWZO6zwJjgOupB

https://youtu.be/O9NPR_ueEpE?si=DbAmmKA3RXPLIpc2

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

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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

Nicholas Ramirez, Jr.

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Honorary Nicholas Ramirez, Jr. WAY

South Rockwell Street between West 39th Place and West 40th Street

 

Approved: March 2024

Ward: 12
Alderman: Julia Ramirez
Neighborhood: McKinley Park

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Source

20247863

Tom "Papa Hops" Hopkins

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Honorary Tom “Papa Hops” Hopkins WAY

South Fairfield Avenue between West 109th Street and West 110th Street

 

Approved: March 2024

Ward: 19
Alderman: Matthew O’Shea
Neighborhood: West Beverly

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Source

20247735

Eric S. Hernandez

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Honorary Eric S. Hernandez Blvd

South Western Boulevard from West 35th Street to West 36th Street

 

Approved: March 2024

Ward: 12
Alderman: Julia Ramirez
Neighborhood: McKinley Park

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Source

20247865

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

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Honorary Officer Richard P. Haljean WAY

7200 Block of North Oriole Avenue

 

Approved: March 2024

Ward: 41
Alderman: Anthony Napolitano
Neighborhood: Edison Park

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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

Demetrios "Jimmy" Pirpiris

Demetrios 'Jimmy' Pirpiris was a local business owner and philanthropist to the Greek community and in the Ravenswood neighborhood. For 30 years owned and operated an Exxon Mobile gas station, and then a laundramat in Ravenswood Plaza until he retired at age 93 in 2022.

He was a member of The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association, where over the course of 60 years, he chaired several committees. He also raised money for the Greek American Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center.

He moved to the United States at the age of 19.

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Honorary Demetrios 'Jimmy' Pirpiris WAY

Northwest corner of West Montrose Avenue and North Damen Avenue

 

Approved: March 2024

Ward: 47
Alderman: Matthew Martin
Neighborhood: Ravenswood

b. October 1, 1929. in Greece

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Source

20247866

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

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Source

20247707

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

Ossie Goff Ballew

Ossie Goff Ballew was a crossing guard for the Chicago Public Schools for 33 years on the corner of Western and Sunnyside near Welles Park and the Queen of Angels school.

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Honorary Ossie Ballew WAY

West Sunnyside Avenue between North Artesian Avenue and North Claremont Avenue

 

Approved: March 2024

Ward: 47
Alderman: Matthew Martin
Neighborhood: Ravenswood

b. March 26, 1951 in Pikeville, Kentucky
d. November 15, 2023. Age 72, in Chicago

near
Her post as Crossing Guard

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Source

20247867, 8941A

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/chicago-il/ossie-ballew-11543081

Helen Baran

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Honorary Helen Baran WAY

6000 block of North Neva Avenue

 

Approved: March 2024

Ward: 41
Alderman: Anthony Napolitano
Neighborhood: Norwood Park

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Source

20247335

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

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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

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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