Record #: R2022-528   
Type: Resolution Status: Adopted
Intro date: 4/27/2022 Current Controlling Legislative Body:
Final action: 4/27/2022
Title: Recognition of Gerbert/Hart Library and Archives for work for LGBTQ+ community in Chicago and larger Midwest Area
Sponsors: Vasquez, Jr., Andre, Lightfoot, Lori E. , Lopez, Raymond A., Hopkins, Brian , Rodriguez, Michael D., Sadlowski Garza, Susan, Sposato, Nicholas, Taylor, Jeanette B. , Martin, Matthew J. , Hadden, Maria E. , Rodriguez Sanchez, Rossana , Reboyras, Ariel, Cardona, Jr., Felix , Taliaferro, Chris, Sigcho-Lopez, Byron, Scott, Jr. Michael, Nugent, Samantha , Tabares, Silvana, Lee, Nicole T. , Ramirez-Rosa, Carlos, Villegas, Gilbert, Curtis, Derrick G., Quinn, Marty, Reilly, Brendan, Cappleman, James, Silverstein, Debra L., Maldonado, Roberto, Beale, Anthony, Mitts, Emma, Osterman, Harry, Austin, Carrie M., Burnett, Jr., Walter, Hairston, Leslie A., Harris, Michelle A., Dowell, Pat, Waguespack, Scott, Napolitano, Anthony V., La Spata, Daniel , Ervin, Jason C., Smith, Michele, Tunney, Thomas
Attachments: 1. R2022-528.pdf
CONSENT CALENDAR

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, in January, 1981, the Midwest Gay and Lesbian Archive and Library was brought into existence as a joint project ofthe Gay Academic Union-Chicago Chapter, Gay Horizons, and the Chicago Gay and Lesbian History Project to preserve and make accessible the history and culture ofthe LGBTQ communities in Chicago and the Midwest in order to advance the larger goal of achieving justice and equality; and

WHEREAS, spearheaded by Gregory Sprague, who headed the History Project, the organization achieved independent status on Nov. 30, 1981, when it was incorporated by the State of Illinois as a not-for-profit corporation; and

WHEREAS, in April, 1981, the name ofthe organization was changed to Gerber/Hart to honor two Chicago pioneers in the LGBTQ movement: Henry Gerber, founder ofthe Society for Human Rights, the first known gay rights organization in 1924; and Pearl M. Hart, a lawyer and community activist who focused on immigrant and childrens' rights and was referred to as the "Guardian Angel of Chicago's Gay Community" for her diligent fight against police harassment; and

WHEREAS, over the years, Gerber/Hart has moved multiple times and currently resides at 6500 N Clark in the 40th Ward, and it has grown to be one ofthe largest independent LGBTQ history and culture library and archives in the United States, serving the research and recreational reading needs for all in Chicago, and beyond, with a library collection of over 40,000 items and over 160 archive collections; and

WHEREAS, Gerber/Hart provides a wide range of programs, exhibitions, and digital/recorded content related to items in its collections and on other topics in LGBTQ history and culture in support ofthe belief that knowledge of LGBTQ history, in all its diversity and complexity, fosters understanding and constructive change in society; and

WHEREAS, in current times, we find ourselves continuing to fight against the same bigotry that oppressed our LGBTQ siblings in d...

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