Record #: R2016-78   
Type: Resolution Status: Adopted
Intro date: 2/10/2016 Current Controlling Legislative Body:
Final action: 2/10/2016
Title: Tribute to late Henry Martinez
Sponsors: Villegas, Gilbert, Sadlowski Garza, Susan
Attachments: 1. R2016-78.pdf

Memorial Resolution for Hank Martinez

 

 

WHEREAS, Henry ("Hank") Martinez was called to his final resting place; and

WHEREAS, This esteemed body has been notified of Hank Martinez's death by the Honorable Aldermen Susan Sadlowski Garza ofthe 10th Ward and Gilbert Villegas ofthe 36th Ward; and

WHEREAS, Henry Martinez was born in Chicago to parents who grew up in Guanajuato, Mexico; and

WHEREAS, He was highly educated, having received undergraduate degrees from the University of Chicago and Roosevelt University and a Master's Degree in Juvenile Justice from Chicago State University; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Martinez was a proud veteran, having served honorably in the Korean War; and

WHEREAS, Hank Martinez worked tirelessly with at-risk youth as a senior supervisor at the Chicago Area Project. Hank recognized that Latinos needed additional assistance to get the education that he was so fortunate to receive so he launched the First Latino Community College Program "Projecto Venceremos" in Southeast Chicago, which was later adopted by the City Colleges of Chicago; and

WHEREAS, He also served as part of Governor Ogilvie's Spanish Speaking Peoples Study Commission in the early 1970s; and

WHEREAS, Hank Martinez was one ofthe driving forces behind the creation ofthe Illinois Latino Family Commission and helped to establish the Veterans Committee ofthe Commission. In 2009, Governor Quinn acknowledged his remarkable service to the Latino Community by naming him to the Illinois Latino Family Commission and the following year he assumed the chairmanship ofthe Commission; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Martinez was the Founder and Director ofthe Latino Resource Institute of Illinois, which also houses an Illinois Welcoming Center and Family Advocacy Center; and

WHEREAS, He led the efforts to establish a Vietnam Veteran's Memorial in South Chicago that stands as a testament to his commitment to fellow veterans; and

WHEREAS, Hank was married to his soulmate Linda. They had two amazing daughters, Allison and Crystal, and a baby grandson; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved, That we, the Mayor and members of the City Council of the City of Chicago gathered here this tenth day of February, 2016, do hereby express our sorrow on the passing of Hank Martinez and extend to his family our sincere condolences; and

Be It Further Resolved, That a suitable copy ofcthis resolution be prepared and presented to the family of Hank Martinez.

GilberFVillegVs, Alderman, 36th Ward