RESOLUTION HONORING JESUS 'CHUY' NEGRETE
WHEREAS, The Members of this Body were deeply saddened to learn ofthe death of Jesus 'Chuy' Negrete, an activist, folklorist, folk singer, and Chicago-area teacher and administrator, at age 72;
WHEREAS, Chuy was husband to Rita Rousseau and the loving father of sons Joaquin and Lucas Negrete-Rousseau. He was the son of the late Melesia and Bernado Negrete and an exceptional example of civic responsibility, devotion, and commitment to his community;
WHEREAS, The only boy of five children and brother to Martha, Juanita, Santa, and Rosa, he was an uncle, friend, and inspiration to many and all who knew him;
WHEREAS, Chuy was born in San Luis Potosl, Mexico but raised in South Chicago, and expressed his dedication to the Chicano people and history through music, humor, and sharing stories dating back 500 years;
WHEREAS, His music was influenced by the civil rights movement and by California's El Teatro Campesino and introduced thousands of people to the history and experience of Chicanos and will continue to reach young Latinos;
WHEREAS, His devotion and love for his community were shown through corridos that he composed and performed at funerals, comforting families after the loss of a loved one;
WHEREAS, Building on his legacy of community education and service, 'Chuy' was a bilingual teacher for the Chicago Public Schools and a teaching assistant at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He worked in Chicano studies at Malcolm X College and taught as an adjunct faculty member at Robert Morris College, Roosevelt University, Indiana University Northwest in Gary, and the University of California, Berkeley;
WHEREAS, Chuy was a family man, leader in the community, and educator who lived a life of service for others. He was and will continue to be an example of true public service. While he will be missed, his inspiring legacy will live on in those who knew him; now and forever;
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, Alderman Sigch...
Click here for full text