Chicago City Council
September 21, 2022
MEMORIAL RESOLUTION HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MYRNA SALAZAR
WHEREAS, It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that we learn the passing of Myrna Salazar—a once-in-a-lifetime visionary and creator of possibility, and Chicago Icon; and
WHEREAS, Myrna was born in Arecibo, Puerto Rico and raised in Chicago-both dualities drove her to champion Latino representation, demand equity, and ultimately, pave the way for countless generations to come; and
WHEREAS, She was a Latina Trailblazer whose impact within art, education, and business throughout the City is an ode to the many shattered ceilings and countless rooms she unapologetically took every inch of space in; and
WHEREAS, Myrna was a pioneer who led many dynamic roles such being crowned Queen of the first Chicago Puerto Rican Day Parade in 1966; and
WHEREAS, She began her career working at the West Town Economic Development Corporation as an Economic Development Specialist, where she generated millions in the procurement housing and business development, contributing to the development of Paseo Boricua and Humboldt Park; and
WHEREAS, Myrna 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 1980's, she was a member ofthe 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, Myrna co-founded the Chicago Latino Theater Alliance in addition to three of the most prominent Latino cultural institutions in Chicago: The National Museum of Mexican Art, The International Latino Cultural Center, and The Puerto Rican Arts Alliance; and
WHEREAS, Additionally, she was a Member of the Choose Chicago Board, Member ...
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