RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Antonio "Tony" Irrizarry was born in Utuado, Puerto Rico on January 3, 1925. A staunch civic and community leader for over 62 years, Mr. Irrizarry's first signs of leadership stems back to his high school years. Elected president ofthe student council, he immediately founded the first school newspaper called "Albores." His writing and artistic talents won him two of three prize entries, promoting the military service; and,
WHEREAS, In 1949. Antonio "Tony" Irrizarry came to the United States, living first in California and then in New York for a few years; and,
WHEREAS, In 1951, Antonio "Tony" Irrizarry came to Chicago and very quickly fell in love with the city. He studied at the Chicago Art Institute and the University of Chicago where he earned a degree in Fine Arts and Journalism. During his first years in Chicago, he worked with various agencies, including the Department of Labor under the Office of the Government of Puerto Rico, the Illinois Youth Commission, the Chicago Boys Clubs, and the Office of Hispanic Affairs under Governor Richard Ogilvy's administration in the early 70s; and,
WHEREAS, In 1960, Antonio "Tony" Irrizarry published the first Hispanic TV guide. In 1975, he founded the "Empezamos Job Preparation Program" which was supported by state and federal funds. In 1979, he became the president of West Town Economic Development Corp. (WEDCO). In 1982, Tony launched "Nuestro Directorio Anuario Publication" to promote different events in the community and provide a complete listing of businesses, media, community and political leaders; and,
WHEREAS, In 1983, Antonio "Tony" Irrizarry founded and produced "Ferias Poblanas Puertorriquenas" at the Northwest National Guard Armory in Humboldt Park, with the amazing line-up of well- known performers that included El Gran Combo, the Puerto Rican Power, Pellin Rodriguez, Barrio Boys, Ednita Nazarrio, Jailine Cintron, and Felito Felix, among other luminaries. The first Fiesta Poblana is most ...
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