time.
Just the way we like it.
Okay.
All right, buddy. Thanks for coming. Thanks for being on
time. I really appreciate it. We're getting our work on our
way, back to the Happy committee. Uh, with that morning.
Everybody, today's March 10th 2025, this meeting on a
committee and special events, uh, uh, cultural Affairs and
Recreations. I'll call the order. We'll have a roll call by
Cher, Scott, yes. She's there she is.
Following Hopkins.
All in Robinson.
Hall.
All the woman Coleman.
Alderman. Curtis
Alderman. OSHA
Almond Mosley.
Alderman Rodriguez.
Alderwoman Cruise.
Alderman Conway, present Alderman wages back
All the women, nent.
Alderman, the paletton.
Alderman Lawson.
Alderwoman Silverstein.
3456.
12. No 1, 2 3.
14, 14. Okay, everybody. There 14 members present. We now
have a quorum. Uh, we have some committee members who are
requested to participate, rule 59, we do huh? And those
members are who
Jim Garner is on his way so it's not him. Okay, so okay
that's the only okay, we're not adding anybody to rule 59,
okay. Uh public comment, we have 3, 3 members signed up for
public comment.
Okay, 3 member sign up for public comment. Period is uh 30
total, 30 minutes. But we have 3 speakers. So they get 3
minutes. Each speaker, left, 3 minutes starting off with
Taiwan Sims.
Um, good morning committee, good morning. So um,
I guess today, I'm just see the plug. Uh, wonderful
individual and a wonderful organization. That's been doing
work here in the city of Chicago. A woman who I've been
employed. Um, as a contractor of media contractor with JMA
gorm and her organization is burst into books. The reason
that I'm plugging this go is because
through the hardship that I've been facing with housing and
just Financial, um, means Miss gorm has been a very
present support for me. Um, but also she has been a very
present support in the community dealing with early
literacy. Um, I've worked with a great lens. Whether it be
through, family programming, whether it be through reading
programs or just her Saturday morning reading program,
It has been effective in a lot of ways. However,
the 1 Pro, the 1 issues Festival in which she hosts in
July, which will be hosted July 26th and her trying to get
funding
It's almost impossible to watch somebody that you care
about worry, about Finance, especially when they're doing
so much work to help others. Um,
I can say from a personal standpoint.
And my strive to get housing or what I'm dealing with in
the city of Chicago or with the city of Chicago, Chicago,
she has aided me financially.
I cannot even tell you.
To what number it is. Um, as of 2023
But I know that it's kept me, afloat.
And even in my the rest that dealing with these certain um
organizations like the 1 I'm at right now that is banned me
for whatever reason, no reason, which I know is just
politics.
Um, it's gorgeous. Been at a a me once again but there's
nobody to Aid. These small organizations, like bursting the
books. All these other community organizations that are
working tirelessly throughout the city.
To just bring some sort of light, whether it be in a
personal or on a more so substantial level.
Um, so I would just like to say that if there's any
committee, I mean, any consideration from the committee of
cultural Affairs that you all look towards Miss gorm and
the organization burst into books that is burst into books,
bibs, you all. And that's what I'm plugging today. So thank
you all.
Thank you, sir.
Miss Jessica Jackson.
Okay, so
The best.
Cultural.
Social event.
That.
I witnessed was that hearing that was a good.
Event.
And what made it good is that it gave an opportunity to see
both sides of government at work.
And it made me leave their hopeful knowing that there is a
political party that's fighting for Americans. That's
fighting for Citizens. This is become very emotionally
draining.
Watching our city Go Up in Smoke by natural smoke like
this.
Over a bunch of illegal immigrants.
So,
I guess the next important event will be when the doj
actually files those charges and come and lock some people
up and do some of the things that they need to do to get
this city back in order, because this city is on a fast
decline. It's on a fast to climb financially morally,
mentally emotionally. You all are stressing the citizens
out.
To hear you all go day after day. After day, about a bunch
of illegal immigrants.
And to show no concern.
For your citizens.
It's emotionally draining.
And every last 1 of you all are responsible for it.
Yes, Brandon Johnson had to answer for it on Capitol Hill,
and he should have to answer for it. But every person in
here is responsible.
For the downfall, and financial downfall of Chicago because
you all could have stopped him a long time ago.
But you always so concerned about illegal immigrants and so
sure.
That Trump was not going to get in office, that you all
just kept on, kept on and you're here today to still keep
going.
You still don't know to stop. You gonna be here today?
Still trying to get more money and I bet you 90% of what
y'all going to do? It's going to be for illegals.
All this house in junk for illegals.
So I thank God.
That the Republican party is there.
and I'm not saying they the in all to begin all, but they
are a voice for America and you can smirk, it doesn't
matter. Donald Trump is the most powerful man in the world,
whether you agree with it or not, he holds that chair
So sink that in your head as you smirk.
Because we're not helpless here. Now the federal government
is in place, got that smirk on that.
Thank you, Miss Jackson. And I believe our last speaker, is
it looks like Miss Julie, darling.
Uh, good afternoon, everyone. I was here this morning so
some of you might hear this again for the second time, but
I have a little bit more time. Uh, now so, um, my name is
Julie darling, and I'm here to speak for the voiceless at
animal care and control. Uh, thank you to Alderman, rabbit
Lopez and Alderman Bill Conway, for hearing us, and
recognizing the crisis. That is at hand.
Gandhi said the greatness of a nation. And its moral
progress can be judged by the way, its animals are treated.
treated. He said I hold that more of the helpless, a
creature, the more entitled, it is to improve protection
from Man by the cruelty of man, and we are currently
failing our citizens and our fur babies.
I implore you to look at alternative solutions to the
animal crisis in our city. It has been my very personal
experience with CAC that staff has either overwhelmed
burned out doesn't care or is simply feeling defeated it
smells of death literally literally and figuratively. The
inspector General's office cites that 79% of the budget is
allocated to staff which leaves little to nothing for the
actual care of the animals. It leaves no room for
programming, education or supplies. Their own Amazon wish
list doesn't consist of
Fun things like toys and treats rather.
A dog, net catcher, a snake, catcher pocket, flashlights,
and a dust broom.
Control Officers are refusing to ride as individuals and
they
only ride in pairs which Cuts services in half. The average
salary is $80,000 and there hasn't been a permanent
qualified director and no leadership and over 2 years.
Volunteers are afraid to speak out for a fear of being let
go.
A change.org petition is now at 4400 signatures demanding
change.
If you will not allocate more funding as they do. In other
major cities, please, consider Outsourcing the care to some
of the legitimate and vetted re rescue groups and leave
control to the city.
Along with a few others, I'm holding a Lo, a low-cost
vaccination clinic in vice mayor. Bernett, Ward on the West
Side to help, keep pets at home, with their families.
Rescue groups are resourceful and can stretch the funding.
Pet abandonment is increasing more. Stray is wander the
streets 30 or more abandoned or stray pets, enter the pound
every day.
This conversation requires Karen effort, but it does not
require any more time.
It's been too long. The solution is simple. We can no
longer wait. And I'd like to be part of that solution in
those conversations. So thank you to the thank you. And for
those of you have pets at homes, please give them an extra
hug today because hundreds are dying.
Unnecessarily, and thank you again for your time.
You add-ons here, folks. We have uh all the women Cruisers
now here with us. Any other members non-members
non-members? We have Alderman, David Moore.
All the environment she show Lopes and Andre Vasquez
Alderman, Walter Bernett.
Alderman, Ray Lopez.
Okay, thank you all for coming, I appreciate it.
Uh, items afford a committee today, we have 7 items on the
agenda. The first item on the agenda is approval of the
February, 2025 monthly rule, 45 report, while members of
the committee should have received the copy of this report
electronically and do you have any questions? Anybody have
any questions on anything?
Hearing no questions a motion by Allure woman, Silverstein
to approve, uh, all those in favor. Signify by I I I all
those opposed, say, nay and the opinion of the charity
eyes, have it,
Our second, uh, through seventh items, our appointments, uh,
the proposed appointees are seeking appointments to the
cultural Affairs and special events, advisory Council and
the interests of time. And without objection, uh, from the
committee, I would like to hear all of the appointments at
once. Obviously 1 at a time. Uh, if you have any questions
for uh, 1 or all of them, appointees you can ask them
instead of, uh, 6 different times. We'll just go through it
1 time. Uh, I allowed each proposed appointee a brief
moment to give a little statement and an open up the floor
for questioning, uh, once the questions have finished, uh,
we will vote, uh, once and items 2 through 7. Uh, hearing
no objections. I would like to hear the appointments
individually, please. Make that motion now motion by know.
Okay, gardeners here. Okay, all them and gardeners here.
I'm sorry. Okay, here we are. Here are our appointments.
I'll tell you, and then we'll start this. It looks like
this is the order. We're going to be in folks. Uh,
820250000001
4887 Camille bacon a 20225000000148.88 Diane denkins car.
8202500001489 Leslie, Lenoir.
A 2025000014892. Tony Carmen a 2025 d 0001489.
Logan and lastly a 2025 Dash 0001489.
5 Patrice Patrick. I'm sorry. Patrick without a case.
Patrick without a k. McCoy leading off Camille Ladies
First. You're Gonna lead off.
Give us a short and sweet version about yourself.
My name is Camille bacon. I grew up in Edgewater. I am the
editor and chief of an arts and culture publication called
Jupiter magazine. And I'm also the studio manager to a
painter named MacArthur Binion
It's a delight to be with you all here today and to serve
the mayor, the commissioner and the city through being a
part of the cultural. Advisory committee is a chance to put
my love for Chicago in action.
The culture advisory council is of particular interest to
me because shark Chicago's artistic Legacy histories and
contemporary presence. Are part of the heart of the city's
magnificent.
Whether it's the Art Institute or the bucket boys, who often
play in front of the building. It has been the
contributions of artists both formally and informally that
make living here feel so splendorous the chance to
collaborate with fellow appointees, the commissioner and
the city's residents. More broadly is also of particular
interest to me because it's a chance to fortify and
strengthen the sights and the artists who live and work.
Here those who offer a service to our City's importance and
serving on the committee would be a chance to extend that
service.
If appointed to join the committee 3 goals, I have are to
increase engagement with the city's. World-class public art
collection, especially sites on the south side, increase
visual literacy through public programming, and Revitalize
spaces for cultural enrichment, especially for young people
so that they choose to stay in Chicago as a opposed to
exporting their talents to other cities. Thank you.
Thank you, Miss Bacon.
Second up.
Miss denkins car.
Good afternoon. My name is Diane tenin's car. I've been in
the Arts since I was born. Both of my parents were artists
and art activists in Chicago. They were introduced by
Margaret Burroughs.
I used to be janitor executive director boy, chair of
Southside Community Arts Center. I wrote many programs and
grants for the Southside Community Art Center. I see the
art is needed in a community. That's kind of looked over on
the south side if it's Bronzeville. If it's West chadam, a
Chad, I live for the Arts. I'm a art of prayer art
consultant art advisor. I still
a big supporter of artists because they are artists in
Chicago especially in the South Side, they don't have a
voice. So they turn to me to ask me what can I do to help
get their information. Their exhibitions or even financial
needs. Um reviewed because that is a area that I think the
Commissioner.
Has been and the culture advisory.
Committee can really give you and see. There is art that is
really overlooked on the south side when I was growing up.
I think I was 6 years old and I was in 1 of Lake Meadows,
art fairs and that meant a lot to the young kids in the
neighborhood. I've written several grants myself and
recruited students from dyba high school to participate in
this grant that introduced them. Not only about
Marketing that art. But they were able to go to the Art
Institute downtown and curate their own exhibitions. And
that was the first time that I've ever been out of their
neighborhood. To the Art Institute, when I was growing up,
we used to have free theater coming to our neighborhoods
and other activities in the neighborhood to enrich our
lives. And to broaden the ability for artists and in E
emerging artists.
To really explore the Arts in Chicago.
Thank you, thank you, thank you. Miss K. Uh,
Miss Hut honor. Am I saying your name, right? Honor honor.
Okay, sorry. Um, good afternoon, everyone. My name is
Leslie Honore. I'm, the current CEO of urban gateways,
which is Chicago's oldest nonprofit that focuses on Arts
education. We have been ensuring that kids, no matter what
ZIP code, they live in have access to creating the Arts,
exploring the Arts and experiencing the Arts. And we've
been doing that good work for 65 years. I also serve on the
board of elevated Chicago, that Focus
Is on Equitable Transit oriented development. I'm proud to
serve as a second term, as chair as well as Urban theater.
Um, company. Um, I am also a poet and an author. I um,
believe that art is how we connect our human threads, it's
how every culture, expresses their grief, their Joy, their
celebrations, their identities is how we learn best about
each other. Um, I also want firm believer that everything
that we do is Art, even if we don't see it, what we wear is
Art, our phones are art. It's not just what's on the wall.
It's how we express every corner of our lives and
specifically in Chicago. It's how we have always expressed
our history, our controversies, our loves, but it all comes
down to everyone having access, um, to the Arts. If
appointed to this Council, I would be proud to give back to
the city that has given me. My career friends who have
become family, my passion, and my purpose, and I see no
better way than to serve, the City by giving back with my
talents,
And skills. Thank you. Thank you. Miss Honore. Uh Mr.
Carmen
Good morning, everyone. My name is Tony Carmen. I'm
currently the president and director of Expo. Chicago and
international art fair. That happens every year annually.
At Navy Pier. I founded the fair. I also have a long
history in Chicago. I began my time in our great city in in
1982, uh, and have been in service of many Arts, and
Cultural institutions, and Civic, and business
organizations throughout
My time in Chicago I'm deeply proud of our city. It's very
much important to me that uh the cultural community of
Chicago that actually addresses um economic issues as well
well, is well supported and thoughtfully. Uh uh
advised. Um my history in Chicago goes all the way back to
not just being on a legislative this legislative Committee
in my early years, but also working with Department of
cultural Affairs and special events, uh, in its nascent
days. Um, I'm again a, a, a proud Chicago in that, uh, if
that, uh, if uh, if appointed, uh, look to, uh, provide
can in service of not just the committee, but the
department of cultural Affairs, the commissioner mayor's
office and all of you uh, to further Chicago's, uh,
cultural community and the economic impact that I know the
Arts and Cultural Community brings to our great City, not
just informing the image.
of our city to the world but also um informing the
importance of the role of Arts and Cultural in all of its
disciplines in shaping our great City. So I thank you for
the consideration. Thank you, sir. Next up Mr. Logan.
Thank you.
My name's Richard Logan. I'm the executive director and
board president of the Revan David Logan Foundation based
here in Chicago
And here.
It's not get a bite.
Uh, I was born here in Chicago and 35th Street. I live in,
uh streeterville. I'm moving to Edgewater and I promised to
to stay within the city limits prior to my current role, at
the reban. David Logan Foundation. I worked in the software
industry for many years creating tools for professional
designers and artists in print. And on the web, my interest
in the Arts are wide ranging, uh, across many disciplines
and media.
Uh, as a funder, we look to fund creative people working
throughout every neighborhood in the city of Chicago.
I'm deeply honored to have been invited to participate with
the cultural Affairs and special events advisory Council.
And I commit to offering advice based on my experience and
I look forward to learning.
uh, from my fellow advisory council members and
all of you uh, to make
the great City of Chicago, even greater
That's a ring to it.
Thank, thank you, sir and lastly Mr. Patrick McCoy.
Good afternoon, my name is Patrick McCoy. I'm a lifelong
resident of Chicago and in, uh,
1960s. I became a passionate uh a collector and appreciator
of the visual arts and have been doing such uh activity
since then. Uh, I have been involved with all types of
types of activities, Visual Arts, musical, arts theater,
dance in the city. Following uh, the, the programs that the
department of cultural Affairs has has presented over those
years.
Uh, in 2003, I co-founded a unique art, collectors
organization. There is none other in the country like it
and through that activity, I have become familiar with most
of the artists in Chicago, on the South Side, West Side,
north side. And I'm familiar with all of the venues uh,
that these artists are participate in.
Uh, I want to bring this long-term familiarity with the art
scene, in Chicago, uh, to this advisory committee and to
cooperate and collaborate with the commissioner to move the
art scene of Chicago into the 21st century. Thank you,
thank you, sir.
Uh, everybody, I apologize. I failed to recognize a
commissioner decays hedspeth is with us today.
Commissioner, do you have a statement you want to make or
any thing? I know these were somewhat your appointees as we
we could say, you did all your research and people, you
feel we could work with and help the city out. So is there
anything you'd like to say you don't feel obligated but no
other than to remind, um, or to share the powers and duties
of CAC, I think that's important. Um, The Advisory Council,
um, exercise the following parties, uh, powers under this
provision to survey and assess this assets and resources of
all genres of art, but then the community to identify and
promote policies and programs, and support of expanding the
Arts and the potential to promote Economic Development and
enrich the quality of life to identify and encourage the
use of local resources for the development and support of
arts and special events. And to repo report the results of
an investigation to to me and to others to recommendations
on how to move the Arts forward. So just wanted to Center
us there. So thank you. Thank you. Commissioner.
Does anybody have any questions for any of our would-be
appointees? Here? Any Members First? Okay, all them in
Rodriguez. Followed by Alderman, Lawson. Followed by
Parliament Conway.
Thank you, Mr. Chair, this is an absolutely Stellar group
of individuals. Um, I must say from, um, you know, checking
so many boxes as far as experience,
Uh, Geographic diversity inclusivity. I just want to um
commend those who have put this group together, um I will
be supporting uh these 6 individuals here today. And at
city council, I do want to make the point that um, from the
Puerto Rican Cultural Center. On the North side, to the
national museum of Mexican art in the Southside.
Um, to the historic Southeast Side Community, um, of of uh
Mexican immigrants over in the 10th Ward, ugh to the
farthest reaches of this great city. Um, the Latino
Community represents around 30% of the city. And after
today, or forgive me after, uh, Wednesday, uh, this
advisory Council will be about 20% Latino, which is, uh,
not where we need to be. Now, the good thing is, there are
several openings still and we can address that disparity
and I expect us to, um, and I want to make sure that I put
that on record, uh, that I expect
That, that would be addressed, uh, commissioner and the next
go around and I'm here to help, uh, as is our caucus, but
to the point, um, uh, Mr. Chair. I think this is an
exemplary group. Uh, I, you know, uh, had the it's, it's
hard not to single out, uh, Miss honor here. Uh, not just
because of your great engagement here. I could. I'm looking
at you, I'm settling in, but, you know, you've represented
Us in so many different spaces, right? Uh, it elevated and
other other places, um, um, and forgive me to everyone
else. Don't have the personal relationship, but definitely
have read your bios. Definitely see your expertise as being
exemplary and it's going to take this, uh, Endeavor, this
great Endeavor of, of art to Such Great Heights. Just given
your presence, your experience, and your engagement. So we
got a work to do ahead as well, but, uh, um, this is a
great exemplary group and I'm and I'm happy to support you
all. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you, man. I I can't accept
the accolades that goes to the commissioner.
She's the 1 who picked them while I was wasn't me as much
as I like to say credit for it.
Next up, follow and Conway.
Got a point of clarification. Is this a paid position or
no?
Yeah, it pays a zero dollars I believe. Okay. That's that
would be. No. Is that, is that of volunteer? So, yes. Well,
thank you all for dedicating your, your, your time, and
your expertise, to the city of Chicago. That's all I have
thank. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you. Madam
commissioner, Allen Mosley.
Thank you so much, Mr. Chair, my my seatmate here uh took
my word, stellar, the Stellar group. That's here. I just
think, uh, of all the things that that before us, right? We
have, of course Leslie. We we, we love you so much. You've
been called on by Presidents by Governors, by Mayors to
uplift the voice of Chicago. Uh, you know, great icons. Uh,
like the Southside Community Art Center, the David Logan,
uh, our Arts, uh, performance center, uh, where I spend a
lot of time with my little sister, who's a performer and
artist herself. Uh, I think about the Expo and all that
comes to Chicago. Uh, the storytelling that is here and how
that changes in the environment, even from someone who
worked directly to, to create a environment has transformed
that into art. So, I'm so thankful to this commissioner for
bringing, uh, this group of panel together that I know
will, um,
Strength in marginalized voices and voices, that are here
already. Um, and the power of the song that's going to be
sung. When those voices come together, a song for and of
Chicago. So thank you all for your dedicated time and
service. Thank you man. Lawson.
Thank, thank you, chair.
Can you hear me? Yes. All right, great. Thank you. Um, uh,
just a couple quick questions and and commissioner, I
appreciate you, uh, sharing the, the purpose and mission of
of it because that was my first 1, how many members are on
the commission?
Our 28.
No 2022. 22 22.
All right. Um, and just, uh, maybe to follow up on my. Uh,
my colleagues question are. Are there any that
self-identify as lgbtq currently?
Uh, yes great. Um, we could talk offline, uh, but I I
appreciate to hear that. And then my other question was
just as far as what, what are sort of the current
initiatives of the body, what what sort of the plan for
2025, or what, what has has been the, the work that they're
proud of? I think all all these members are new so that,
that would be for you. Commissioner sort of what what is
this Council? But up to and what do they look forward to
this year? Um, they look forward to figuring out how to
ensure that, um, we um, are very strategic in how we get
funding out, especially to those that have not received
funding in the in the future or in the past um, to ensure
that, um, the opportunities that we do have already in
place that those are Amplified. Um, also using them to
find, um, ways to, uh, get additional funding, um, from the
philanthropic Community. Um, and to use international
leverage to make sure that artists are able to stay here
and participate on a
Larger scale.
Great, great. Um, I think, uh, you have a group here that
has a great resume to accomplish those tasks. Um, a long
diverse uh career history and and with varied meetings, and
and backgrounds at very large networks. So, I hope, uh, you
will join this Council and B boosters for the city and our
art scene and every corner and neighborhood of the city.
Um, there's something to be celebrated. So, thank you very
much Mr. Chair, thank you, sir Allan Robinson.
Good morning. Uh, commissioner. Uh, I want to give you
kudos for, uh, the Stellar group that you have assembled,
uh, today. Um, but um, I just want to
Say, thank you to 2 folks that are with us today that um,
chairman and I've been knowing since I had hair, um, and
that is Pat McCoy and uh, Diane Carr. Um,
2, Fourth, Ward residents, uh, that I am. Um, just peacock
proud of when we think about art in the city of Chicago,
uh, we think about um, African-American art and um, these 2
2, uh, have made me think about uh, art and, and city of
Chicago supporting the Southside Community Art Center and
then also supporting artists in the city of Chicago. So I
want to thank you all for um, the work that you have done
and certainly the work that you're going to do on this
commission. And so, thank you very much, uh, to you both
and thank
You all uh for taking the time out to as the chairman
mentioned um getting paid zero uh for the hard work that
you're going to do for the citizens of the city of Chicago.
So thank you very much. Thank you Alan.
No more committee members.
Oh no other man Vasquez. Oh see Israel remember no, no vas
vas, followed by Allan Lopez. Thank you very much, much
appreciated. Chairman, uh, thank you so much for the
opportunity here. Um, I, I
As, as an artist myself.
Very much in support of the work being done. Um, I do just
have some questions just kind of for matter. So I
appreciate um answering on what the mission is um out of
their. So the body should have 30 members currently with
the new appointees that would be 28, is that correct?
That's correct. Okay. Um, if do the chair, you'd be able to
provide kind of a breakdown of like gender.
Race, lgbtq identified uh and such um parts of town, just
to get a sense of like the representation there. Um, that'd
be extremely helpful. Um how how often does the council
meet
Um quarterly, okay, yeah, quarterly. Oh um if any of us
wanted to Avail ourselves of kind of
Uh, assembling with the council for example. So, so in Forth
I'll just okay. We've got, uh, on Lincoln from Lawrence all
the way to about Peterson, we're establishing an Arts
District, right? And so there's a lot of things to, to
Think Through when it comes to something like that. 1 is
incentivizing artist business but also artists living, uh,
figuring out programming, right? And and I think being able
to tap into the wealth of knowledge that a council would
have would be uh extremely advantageous as we're trying to
develop something like that. So if 1 were to want to I
guess meet with the council, is it just coming to see when
they meet quarterly? How would that best work if we wanted
as Council City Council Members to reach out to like the
body?
I think, um, all of the people here in the current members
would be happy to to just send an email and meet with them.
I think that they would be very excited to have very much
Hands-On, um, experience with providing their expertise.
Awesome. Yeah. That'd be great. So, similarly, through the
chair to those that are comfortable, like, contact
information for the different members, that would be
helpful for us to kind of, you know, not just have to go
through you, but maybe do an email blast for folks that
want to meet up to have conversations. Um,
It is incredibly important that we build on.
The wealth that we have as a city related to the arts and
culture. The programming that we have all across the city
and so, um,
Really want to do everything we can to support your efforts
but also tap in to that knowledge so that we can continue
growing it. I think Chicago has more to offer
How I put it up against any city in the country and so want
to make sure that we continue that work. So, thank you so
much. Thank you very much, Sharon. Thank you, man. Just
want to recognize all the women Coleman is in attendance.
Also, commissioner fee Edge, since we're adding the group
of people that have on this committee, I'd love to know how
many tailing Americans are on this Council because as, you
know, there's a very uh,
Contentious issue that happen about 5 years ago, a statute
that was up for 90 years on a statute was up for 50 years
were taken down or attacked as you may want to say in the
dark of the night. So if you can, also let me know how many
get tailing Americans. We have on this uh uh Council. I'd
also appreciate that. Thank you.
Yes.
We could also include the number of Jewish members on the
committee. Thank you. And if we can add glue to the member
of Jewish members, thank you.
Alderman Lopez.
good afternoon, chairman and members of the committee, good
afternoon commissioner and to all of our our appointees,
um,
All of your resumes in BIOS are very Stellar. Um, but I
just want to say that I am
A little bit.
Aggravated and incense when I think about as what we heard
at the start of this conversation, that Latinos as a whole
are nearly 1 third of this city and they're barely 1, Sixth
of today's nominations.
After today, assuming that everyone is confirmed, they'll
make up a whopping 20% of this conversation on this
Council.
I find that to be not something that Aspire for the next
group, but should have been rectified with this group.
when I think of all of the cultural activity that happens,
all of the outdoor art, and things of that nature in the
city of Chicago,
Latinos especially uh, on the south and Southwest sides,
because there is a Southwest side which has not been
mentioned a Northwest side, which has not been mentioned
today.
Those are heavily.
Artistic communities that add to the vibrancy, that is this
city of Chicago. And I do not see their presence fully
represented here today.
And I have a willingness to bet that I'm not going to see 6
Latino appointees for the remaining, vacancies that are
there.
We cannot cannot be an afterthought in these conversations.
There has to be intentionality, there has to be specificity
when it comes to ensuring that we are being inclusive. Um,
There are all kinds of communities and art impacts all of
them. And
To see almost a laser focus on excluding groups is not
something that I support.
Um is not something that I believe in and to be quite
frankly to be quite Frank on the subject when you're
talking about art and culture.
That's all of us and everyone should be equally uh, at the
table.
so I would just say chairman though, I'm not on this
committee that better intentionality uh is used to ensure
that when we're saying that we're creating advisory
councils that are reflective of our city that they are
truly reflective of our city, not it in in all its forms.
Thank you. Thank you all. And so, I'm, I'm going to put
that upon us. I'm not going to put that on the
commissioner. So now we know how the gay community feels
either Jewish Community. Feels how do you telling a
community feels at a Hispanic Community feels. So I'm going
to put it upon us to reach out to the commissioner and make
some recommendations to her. So to see I'm guessing people
don't knock your door down and saying they want to be
honest, I'm guessing you seek them out. So I'm going to
recommend to us that hold on a minute. Hold on a minute.
I'm going to recommend us as a council. We make Rec
Recommendations to the commissioner.
Okay. Oh
Oh Commissioners. You want to say something? Yes, I'm just
so we're all aware the, uh, current members that have their
expired times. Um, they were appointed before, um, but um,
definitely here that and already in conversations um, with
others to ensure that we make sure some of these numbers
are more reflective of the city.
Thank you. And and a quick question to be and this council
is somebody have to live in the city
Yes, they do. Okay, thank you. Alvin Lopez.
Anybody else?
Following Robinson, you were mentioning uh what you were
referencing but I just want to make sure that we make sure
we reference the lgbtq plus Community not the gay
community, thank you. Okay.
Hey.
All right.
Anybody else that it all right. Um, looks like maybe the
happy committee is bad.
Okay.
All right. Thank
Had a lot to go. Oh, I didn't see your hand up. I'm sorry.
No, no. Okay. That's it, that's it. Okay. All right, I guess
we're going to pass them all in, in 1 smooth swoop. Unless
there's an objection and I got a recommend motion,
recommending a package of these 6 individuals, all them in
Moseley. So, move by Alderman, Mo Mosley, all those in
favor. Signify by I, I
Also say nay nay.
The opinion of the chair. The eyes have it, the do pass
recommendation of these appointments will be reported out
at the next council meeting on March 12th 2025 for being no
further business before the committee motion by all the
women Crews so moves to adjourn hearing no objection, so
ordered, thank you everybody.
Congratulations.