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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING PILSEN COMMUNITY BOOKS ON THEIR 5TH ANNIVERSARY AS A WORKER COOPERATIVE
WHEREAS, Pilsen Community Books was founded in 2016 with the mission of fostering literacy, critical thought, and radical imagination within the community; and
WHEREAS, in March 2020, Pilsen Community Books became Chicago’s only employee-owned and operated independent bookstore, ensuring that its workers have a direct stake in its success and the ability to uphold its values of equity and collective empowerment; and
WHEREAS, located on 18th Street in the heart of Pilsen, Pilsen Community Books has become a vital neighborhood institution, providing not just literature but also a space for dialogue, organizing, and cultural resistance; and
WHEREAS, despite taking ownership just before the COVID-19 pandemic, the bookstore’s worker-owners have remained steadfast in their commitment to serving the community, ensuring that books, ideas, and mutual aid remain accessible even in times of crisis; and
WHEREAS, Pilsen Community Books prioritizes ethical business practices by ensuring all its merchandise is union-printed and designed by local Chicago artists, reinforcing its commitment to labor solidarity and the creative economy; and
WHEREAS, beyond being a bookstore, Pilsen Community Books serves as a hub for activism and collective action, hosting film screenings, fundraisers, banner and sign-making sessions, and other community-driven events that amplify the voices of the oppressed and marginalized; and
WHEREAS, Pilsen Community Books is open seven days a week, welcoming all who seek knowledge, inspiration, and a space to engage with movements for social justice; and
WHEREAS, Pilsen Community Books is more than just a place to purchase books, it is a fierce advocate for liberation, a sanctuary for radical thought, and a beacon of empowerment and literacy for the community it serves.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners does hereby recognize and honor the 5th Anniversary of Pilsen Community Books; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this text be spread upon the proceedings of this Honorable Body and that a suitable copy of this resolution is presented to Pilsen Community Books on their 5th Anniversary.
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