Chicago City Council October 26, 2022
RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING OCTOBER AS POLISH HERITAGE MONTH
WHEREAS, Annually, the United States observes Polish American Heritage Month in October, to celebrate and acknowledge the history and continued contributions of the Polish community; and
WHEREAS, October is a significant month for the Polish community because it is when the first Polish settlers arrived in Jamestown, VA in 1608; and
WHEREAS, Since the late 1800's there has been a prominent Polish presence with roughly 900,000 residents of Polish heritage in Cook County today; and
WHEREAS, This led the City of Chicago (City) to declare Warsaw as its first sister city; and
WHEREAS, Since their arrival, Chicago's Polish community has flourished and become home to iconic figures across diverse areas including but not limited to, Pat Sajak, a television personality and game show host; Stuart Dybek, a writer of fiction and poetry; and Mike Krzyzewski a former basketball coach for Duke University; and
WHEREAS, Polish roots are embedded within our City's diverse neighborhoods and religious centers including the Polish Museum of America, Copernicus Center, and St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, just to name a few; and
WHEREAS, Today, Polish-Americans and immigrant communities remain a vital part of our City's rich culture, and is seen with the numerous established Polish businesses, restaurants, and festivals; and now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Members ofthe City Council ofthe City of Chicago, assembled this twenty sixth day of October, 2022, do hereby celebrate October as Polish American Heritage Month, and acknowledge the influential and impactful contributions the Polish community continues to make for our country and the City of Chicago.
Gilbert Villegas Alderman, 36th Ward
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