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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RECOGNIZING AMARA BETTY MARTIN FOR HER CONTINUED DEDICATION TO THE COMMUNITIES OF COOK COUNTY IN HONOR OF WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
WHEREAS, March was Women's History Month in which we not only highlight the contributions of women in history but also in contemporary society; and
WHEREAS, Amara Betty Martin is a Puerto Rican multidisciplinary artist and independent arts organizer born, raised and working in the barrios of Chicago; and
WHEREAS, Amara Betty Martin has independently organized and participated in more than 50 visual art exhibitions, cultural events and projects in the past 5 years; and
WHEREAS, her visual work consists of original photographs, collage, captured sound, poetry, text and pattern based works and music, documenting the urban struggle of a second generation Afro-Latina in the face of immense social struggle, gentrification, cultural homogenization, state violence and migration; and
WHEREAS, through examining elements of culture, local and global social justice movements, liberation, community and state repression, Amara Betty Martin looks to have the audience see these issues from an often overlooked perspective; and
WHEREAS, Amara Betty Martin’s art organizing work highlights emerging artists of color, providing a platform for: creative expression; communal; philosophical; political engagement; economic exchange as well as an avenue for creating awareness for grassroots causes and organizations; and
WHEREAS, Amara Betty Martin has collaborated with Quennect 4 Gallery, Q4 Radio, Multikulti, Las Artelitas, Que Horas Son, Cumbiasazo, Villapalooza, La Catrina Café, Pachanka Music Culture, Enlace Chicago, Mole de Mayo, Carlos & Dominguez Fine Art Gallery, Mujeres Latinas en Acción, Chicago Womens Health Center, Girl Talk, Villarte, Radio One Chicago, Chicago Bike Winter Art Show, Humboldt Park Arts Fair, Chicago Young Progressives and more; and
WHEREAS, most recently, Amara Betty Martin worked in Chicago’s Little Village community with the nonprofit Enlace Chicago in Education and Community Development and as an art instructor to Chicago Youth and is currently finishing up an arts residency in México; and
WHEREAS, Amara Betty Martin continues to inspire many through her dedication to community empowerment, the arts and culture expression.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Cook County Board of Commissioners does hereby honor Amara Betty Martin for her continued dedication to the people of Cook County and recognizes her in honor of Women’s History Month.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT this text be spread upon the proceedings of this Honorable Body and that a suitable copy of this Resolution be presented to Amara Betty Martin.
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