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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
OSCAR ORTIZ, IN MEMORIAM
WHEREAS, Oscar Ortiz was a special education teacher at Nancy B. Jefferson Alternative High School, which is housed within the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center (JTDC); and
WHEREAS, Oscar was the most loving husband of Sabina Ortiz, loving father of Gabriel Ortiz and Daniel Torres, dear son of Benito and Mirta Ortiz, beloved brother of Ed Ortiz, and cherished nephew, unforgettable uncle, caring cousin, and fond friend of many; and
WHEREAS, for twenty years, Oscar was a Chicago Public Schools (CPS) teacher and a leader within the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) who inspired his students and fellow teachers alike to take action in the face of injustice. Oscar would remind his students and fellow teachers to always be aware of how much our actions impact the communities we come from and rally with; and
WHEREAS, Oscar was proud to be from the Humboldt Park neighborhood. His upbringing taught him that education was the key to keeping our youth away from harm; and
WHEREAS, Oscar was a visionary whose convictions were rooted in equity and social justice. He simultaneously dreamt of a better world for his students and for his community, while also keeping his feet firmly on the ground by joining his union’s legislative and political efforts to campaign for material gains for his students and his community; and
WHEREAS, Oscar’s optimism and love for his community was contagious, as the many who knew him attest to the energy he brought into a room. Oscar was never too shy to share his thoughts. If Oscar felt that you were someone who could create positive, everlasting change, he would tell you and support you throughout your journey; and
WHEREAS, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson remembers Oscar as someone who never saw a need too great to meet, or a cause too big to defend; and
WHEREAS, Illinois Congresswoman Delia Ramírez remembers Oscar as someone who believed that education is the tool to realize our potential and our dreams, and that everyone felt his passion and optimism; and
WHEREAS, Illinois Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García knew Oscar for two decades, and remembers how much his kindness, great sense of humor, and great love for life made him stand out wherever he went.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County President and Board of Commissioners do hereby offer their deepest condolences and most heartfelt sympathy to the family of Oscar Ortiz and joins them in reflection of his great life; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this text be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body, and a suitable copy of this resolution be tendered to the family of Oscar Ortiz so that his memory may be so honored and ever cherished.
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