RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Casimiro Rodriguez was born on March 23rd 1928, and died on February 13, 2013; and
WHEREAS, Casimiro arrived in Chicago in 1954 from his native Puerto Rico, joining thousands of his compatriots who began settling in the city; and
WHEREAS, he established in 1969 Luquillo Barber Shop, the first Puerto Rican Barber Shop on the commercial and cultural strip now popularly known as Paseo Boricua, and after 50 years continues to be one of the economic mainstays of the community; and
WHEREAS, for decades Casimiro served as a mentor and civic leader, supporting many charities, church sponsored events, sports initiatives and receiving many community recognitions and accolades; he was also a beloved paternal figure for many youth inspiring them to study and work; and
WHEREAS, his son Omar has continued his father's community service legacy and employs eight (8) full time barbers who have worked at the barber shop for more than 15 years; and
WHEREAS, the 26th Fiesta Boricua "De Bandera a Bandera" will be held during the weekend of Labor Day 2019, on Paseo Boricua (Division Street, between Artesian and Mozart, demarcated by the world's largest public arts monument to a flag - the steel flags of Paseo Boricua); and where the Puerto Rican Cultural Center and the Division Street Business Development Association (DSBDA), will recognize Casimiro Rodriguez and Luquillo Barber Shop as Community Pillars of Paseo Boricua; and
BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of Chicago and Mayor Lori Lightfoot join in this celebration of the life and legacy of Casimiro Rodriguez; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to the family of Casimiro Rodriguez as a token of gratitude, honor, and respect.