Record #: R2022-1405   
Type: Resolution Status: Adopted
Intro date: 12/14/2022 Current Controlling Legislative Body:
Final action: 12/14/2022
Title: Tribute to Myrna Salazar
Sponsors: Lightfoot, Lori E. , Mitts, Emma, O'Shea, Matthew J., Sposato, Nicholas, Nugent, Samantha , Lopez, Raymond A., Silverstein, Debra L., Brookins, Jr., Howard, Scott, Monique L. , Cappleman, James, Villegas, Gilbert, Waguespack, Scott, Sadlowski Garza, Susan, Gardiner, James M. , Moore, David H., Hadden, Maria E. , Hopkins, Brian
Attachments: 1. R2022-1405.pdf

 

OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

CITY OF CHICAGO

LORI E. LIGHTFOOT

MAYOR

 

 

December 14, 2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TO THE HONORABLE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CI TY OF CHICAGO

 

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

I transmit herewith, together with Aldermen Mitts, O'Shea, Sposato, Nugent, Lopez, Silverstcin, Brookins, Scott, Cappleman, Villegas, Waguespack, Sadlowski-Garza, Gardiner, Moore, Hadden and Hopkins, a memorial resolution honoring Myrna Salazar.

 

Your favorable consideration ofthis resolution will be appreciated.

 

RESOLUTION

 

WHEREAS, It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that we express our condolences at the passing of Myrna Salazar, a once-in-a-lifetime visionary, creator of possibility, and Chicago icon; and

 

WHEREAS, Salazar was born in Arecibo, Puerto Rico and raised in Chicago and her experiences in both places drove her to champion Latino representation, demand equity, and ultimately pave the way for countless Latino artists to pursue illustrious careers; and

 

WHEREAS, A pioneer who assumed many dynamic roles, Salazar was crowned queen of the first Chicago Puerto Rican Day Parade in 1966; and

 

WHEREAS, Salazar began her career working at the West Town Economic Development Corporation as an economic development specialist, where she generated millions in housing and business development, contributing to the development of Paseo Boricua and Humboldt Park; and

WHEREAS, Salazar was the founder and president of Salazar & Navas Talent Agency, Inc., a talent agency she ran for over 25 years that launched or furthered the careers of many beloved Chicago artists like Justina Machado, Aimee Garza, Nadine Velazquez, Ricky Gambao, Sandra Delgado and Miranda Gonzalez; and

 

WHEREAS, In the 1980s, Salazar was a member of the Chicago Board of Education, where she used her platform to advocate for bilingual programming and to bring educators from abroad who furthered her mission; and

 

WHEREAS, Additionally, Salazar was a member of the Choose Chicago Board, the League of Chicago Theaters Board, and the City of Chicago Advisory Council on Cultural Affairs and Special Events; and

 

WHEREAS, Salazar's greatest work was undeniably the creation of the "Destinos: The Chicago International Latino Theater Festival", Chicago's annual citywide festival that showcases Latino theater artists and companies from Chicago, the United States and Latin America; and

 

WHEREAS, It was a privilege to know her and her never-ending passion, love, and energy—she was a true change maker at a time that was especially difficult and unheard of for women, much less, Latinas—as a result, her legacy is deeply woven into Chicago's past, present, and future; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, assembled on this fourteenth day of December 2022, do hereby express our sorrow with the passing of Myrna Salazar and extend our sincere condolences to the countless lives she impacted, and honor the legacy she deeply established within the fabric of Chicago's collective and diverse identity; and

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Myrna Salazar's family as a symbol of our gratitude for her selfless contributions and immense impact toward growth within the Latino community and the City of Chicago, and as an expression of our deepest sympathy.