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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE WORK AND DEDICATION OF THE GAGE PARK LATINX COUNCIL
WHEREAS, the Gage Park Latinx Council (GPLXC) is a community-based grassroots organization; for the advancement of cultural and social justice for the residents of Gage Park and its bordering communities, and
WHEREAS, the GPLXC was founded in 2018 by Antonio Santos and twin sisters Samantha and Katia Martinez - all lifelong Gage Park residents; and
WHEREAS, the GPLXC organizes socially and politically in order to create a strong, safe, and culturally rich Gage Park that is reflective of the diverse Latinx working-class community; and
WHEREAS, the GPLXC is committed to creating a strong sense of community and identity through art, access to information, education, social justice, and direct positive actions; and
WHEREAS, the GPLXC has raised over $65,000 for undocumented families living on the Southwest side of Chicago, which allowed them to provide financial assistance to over 100 families who did not qualify for federal aid during the pandemic, and
WHEREAS, in response to the pandemic, GPLXC operated a free food pantry that is accessible and welcoming to all and has distributed thousands of boxes of fresh produce to the community; and
WHEREAS, the GPLXC’s free art programs are designed to engage youth in learning and community building with a focus on highlighting Latinx culture and celebrating creativity; and
WHEREAS, the Gage Park Mural Project is an art initiative of GPLXC to support and connect local youth artists with opportunities to create public works of art that are reflective of the Gage Park community; and
WHEREAS, the GPLXC invites LGBTQIA+ identified persons from the Southwest side of Chicago to create community and connect with one another through the Southwest side queer & trans network; and
WHEREAS, the GPLXC also has a First Generation Student Network that works to build community and support with Southwest side students who are the first in their families to pursue higher education; and
WHEREAS, the GPLXC has a community cleanup initiative bringing together volunteers to clear the streets of litter. The annual program is designed to create access to public space while creating awareness around the environment and the lack of access to basic city services in Gage Park; and
WHEREAS, the GPLXC opened its cultural center in early September at 2711 W. 51st St; and
WHEREAS, the GPLXC is still operating during the pandemic, amid many safety and sanitary measures. They’re letting community members reserve the space to privately use as a place to study or play.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, The Cook County Board President and the Cook County Board of Commissioners do hereby congratulate the staff, volunteers, and supporters of Gage Park Latinx Council; 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 be presented to Gage Park Latinx Council in honor of its outstanding achievements.
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