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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF JUAN M. SOLIZ
WHEREAS, Juan M. Soliz was born in Texas on December 4, 1949, to Juan and Francisca (Arevinas); and
WHEREAS, Juan M. Soliz was the brother to Maria Antonia (Everardo) Acosta, and Gilbert; and
WHEREAS, Juan M. Soliz earned his Juris Doctor Degree in 1976 from The University of Washington at Seattle and devoted his life’s work to social justice and immigration issues; and
WHEREAS, Juan M. Soliz moved to Chicago in 1978 to join The Legal Assistance Foundation and in 1980, he became the first Mexican/Native American Supervising Attorney of The Center for Immigrants; and
WHEREAS, in 1982, Juan M. Soliz became the first Mexican/Native American to run for Illinois State Representative; and
WHEREAS, after forming the Juan M. Soliz Independent Political Party, he became the first Mexican/Native American elected to the Illinois General Assembly in 1984. He distinguished himself as an effective leader by his strong work protecting the rights of minorities, workers, women, and consumers; and
WHEREAS, in March of 1986, Juan M. Soliz accomplished an unprecedented double victory by winning the nomination as the Democratic candidate for Illinois State Representative and winning the election as Alderman of the 25th Ward on the same day; and
WHEREAS, while Alderman, Juan M. Soliz served as the first Mexican/Native American President Pro Tempore of the City Council, Chairman of the Human Rights and Consumer Protection Committee, and Chairman of the Aviation Committee; and
WHEREAS, Juan M. Soliz continued to defend immigrant rights and tirelessly advocate for comprehensive immigration reform throughout his lifetime; and
WHEREAS, Juan M. Soliz co-founded a group, México Defiende Lo Tuyo in September 2017 to promote awareness of the defects in The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and how this treaty can be used to advance immigration reform; and
WHEREAS, Juan M. Soliz also co-founded UNITY Native American Tribe, a forum for all Native people that provides information and mechanisms of self-defense, as well as a forum to conserve, promote, and defend our rich cultural heritage; and
WHEREAS, Juan M. Soliz was also a proud founding member of One People One Continent and a member of Free Our Indigenous Youth: For the Release of Children in Detention; and
WHEREAS, Juan M. Soliz joined the non-profit organization, the Binational Institute for Human Development, to serve as Senior Legal Counsel for our program, the Immigration & Legal Center; and
WHEREAS, Juan M. Soliz was the devoted husband of Nellie, father of Simona Encinias, Juan Manuel Jr., Francisca Marisol Soliz, Maria Victoria Vanessa Almanza, Myrna Lissette Soliz, Juan Miguel Soliz, doting brother of Sylvia Rubio and Ramon Soliz, beloved Grandfather of 12, great grandfather of 2, loving uncle to many nieces and nephews; and
WHEREAS, Juan M. Soliz continued to champion all the causes he held dear, including social justice, immigrant rights, Indigenous rights, immigration reform, and giving voice to the voiceless, until his passing.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners do hereby hold in reverence in honor of the historic legacy of Juan M. Soliz, as we offer our deepest condolences to his friends, family, and communities; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Juan M. Soliz as an honorable expression of appreciation for his life and work.
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