RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Universidad Popular hosted a thoroughly enjoyable Feria del Mole on September 30, 2017;
WHEREAS, The City Council has been informed about this wonderful organization and its fantastic festival by the Honorable Ricardo Munoz, Alderman of the 22nd Ward; and
WHEREAS, Universidad Popular, also known as Latin Center, was created in Lakeview in the early 1970s to help Latin-American immigrants be successful in their new country and to be the premier not-for-profit organization in the community; and
WHEREAS, Thousands of Latinos left the northeast side of Chicago, so fifteen years ago Universidad Popular moved to South Lawndale, continuing to pursue community empowerment. It also provides services in Chicago Lawn and West Lawn; and
WHEREAS, The Latino community in Chicago is now a few times larger than at Universidad Popular's beginning 47 years ago, but many are in danger of being forced out of their neighborhoods due to gentrification; and
WHEREAS, Universidad Popular partners with other agencies and organizations to combat health disparities, unemployment, violence, poverty, displacement and homelessness. Programming includes educational opportunities for children and workforce development activities for adults; and
WHEREAS, Universidad Popular organized the very first Feria del Mole in Chicago in 2005 as part of its Hispanic Heritage Month celebration. The 11th annual festival was held on September 30, 2017; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and Members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, assembled this eleventh day of October, 2017, thank Universidad Popular for their many contributions to the City of Chicago and congratulate Universidad Popular on its recent extraordinarily successful Feria del Mole.
RICARDO MUNOZ
Alderman, 22nd Ward
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to Universidad Popular as a sign of our gratitude and appreciation.