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Orgullo Boricua: Aquí y Allá! De Barrio Borikén Humboldt Park to Isabela, Puerto Rico The People’s Puerto Rican Pride Parade is TOMORROW! This year's theme is a love letter across the water. From Paseo Boricua, the heart of the first State Designated Puerto Rican Cultural District in the nation, to the shores of Isabela, we are honoring a community that shows up authentically, here and there, aquí y allá. And this year, we celebrate with PRIDE. As Vice Chair of City Council's LGBTQ Caucus, I am deeply honored to lead the parade as Grand Marshal alongside Mayor Ricky Méndez Pérez of Isabela, the first openly gay mayor in Puerto Rico. Together with Honorary Cacique Dr. Wilfred W. Labiosa, CEO of Waves Ahead Puerto Rico, we embody exactly what this theme means: our orgullo is bold, it is visible, and it crosses every border. Our celebration carries deep historical roots, as well. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Division Street Uprising of 1966, a reminder that our joy on Division Street has always been inseparable from our resilience and our fight to exist and to celebrate ourselves. |
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Honoring Julio Osorio and Rafael Cruz
This week, community members gathered at California and Evergreen to unveil honorary street signs bearing two names we want the city to remember: Julio Osorio and Rafael Cruz. On June 4, 1977, during the Division Street Uprising, Julio and Rafael, just 26 and 25 years old, were shot and killed by a Chicago police officer in Humboldt Park, on a day that began just like today did. Their deaths sparked an uprising, followed by decades of organizing against the injustice that brought the Puerto Rican People’s Day Parade to Humboldt Park and where it has remained.
These signs are installed steps from where Julio and Rafael lost their lives, a permanent marker of our truth, our grief, and our resilience. We are honoring our community's ability not just to celebrate culture, but to pay homage to the history that has gotten us to this point. To the families of Julio and Rafael: thank you for showing up, for nearly 50 years of carrying their names. Now this city carries them with you. |
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Puerto Rican People’s Day Parade Street Closures Per Chicago Police Department’s 14th District, there are a number of changes to this year’s street closures. Review the graphic ahead of time! Most ticketing and towing will begin Wednesday, June 10 at 9:00 AM.
Additionally, there will be bus rerouting: Division Bus (#70) Parade Reroute Saturday, June 13, 2026 - 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Buses will operate in both directions via Division, Damen, Chicago, Grand, Homan and Division. Buses are rerouted due to the Puerto Rican People’s Day Parade. Allow extra travel time. On parade day, consider public transportation for arriving to Paseo Boricua – parking will be extremely limited. If you do drive, make a plan today! |
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Need a pit stop before the parade? Our ward office restrooms are open to the public from 10:30 to 11:45 AM while you wait for the festivities to begin! |
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YMCA Free for Youth And Parks Youth Events In exciting news for our young people, the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago is offering free memberships to Chicago teens, so they can stay active, healthy, and connected through the organization’s Get Summer program. From June 8 through the end of August 2026, Chicago teens ages 12–18 can receive a free membership at our very own McCormick YMCA, 1834 N. Lawndale Ave.
Teens will have access to the fitness center, gym, and swimming pool during open swim hours in a safe and welcoming environment. A valid form of Chicago residency is required for registration, and teens ages 12–17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian when signing up. For more information about the Get Summer program, teens should visit their nearest YMCA location, or go to ymcachicago.org/getsummer.
Looking for even more ways to make the most of summer? The Chicago Park District's Teens in the Parks hub is the go-to spot for free teen events all season long, from basketball jams and pool parties to laser tag, paint nights, and bike repair workshops. Plus teen centers and programs in parks across the city.
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| In Solidarity,
Alderperson Jessie Fuentes |
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| Immigration Rights Resources |
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| | | Construction season has begun! Don't forget to check out our construction projects for updates on upcoming work in your neighborhood. |
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| | The 26th Ward's community-led zoning process requires anyone requesting a zoning change to first complete a zoning intake form. After review, they present their request to the Zoning Advisory Committee and answer questions. In some cases, they may also present at a community input meeting. |
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| If you know someone looking for reproductive justice resources in Chicago, they can go to this Department of Public Health resource page to use the City’s digital community resource directory. There is also a free talkline (1-888-493-0092) where operators are available to share information on various reproductive justice options. |
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| | | | | If you need assistance with a city service, let us know! You can submit your request through our website, by giving us a call, or submitting a request directly to 311.chicago.gov. Our team is here to provide the support you need and ensure our community thrives. |
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