SR0347 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0347 LRB104 13883 ECR 26735 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture (NMPRAC) was founded and incorporated by the Boricua community of Humboldt Park in Chicago in 2000, serving as a cultural home dedicated to preserving, promoting, and celebrating Puerto Rican arts, history, and identity; and

WHEREAS, NMPRAC became the only museum in the United States exclusively dedicated to Puerto Rican arts and culture outside of Puerto Rico in 2014, further solidifying its role as a national institution; and

WHEREAS, NMPRAC stands as a beacon of cultural pride, showcasing the extraordinary contributions of Puerto Rican artists from the island and across the diaspora and amplifying their voices and histories through exhibitions, education, and community engagement; and

WHEREAS, NMPRAC's national impact is evident in the tens of thousands of visitors it welcomes each year from all 50 states, the island of Puerto Rico, and numerous countries around the world; and

WHEREAS, NMPRAC is led by former 26th Ward Alderperson and lifelong public servant Billy Ocasio, who erected the world's largest monument to a flag, the Puerto Rican Flags of Steel, on Paseo Boricua on January 6, 1995, with the monument serving as a tribute to the Puerto Rican diaspora and as a symbol of pride, resilience, and cultural sovereignty; and

WHEREAS, The iconic Paseo Boricua Flags of Steel, each standing 55 feet tall and 56 feet wide and weighing over 40 tons, stretch across Division Street and form a monumental gateway that proudly marks the heart of Chicago's Puerto Rican community; and

WHEREAS, The Paseo Boricua Flags of Steel monument has achieved its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of cultural affirmation and community empowerment on January 6, 2025; and

WHEREAS, NMPRAC will celebrate its 25th anniversary in September 2025 along with the museum's beloved Barrio Arts Fest, an annual celebration of Puerto Rican creativity and cultural expression; and

WHEREAS, That same month, NMPRAC will host its 5th Annual Puerto Rican Engage Conference, convening Boricua leaders, artists, and institutions from across the diaspora to fulfill its national mission; the conference will culminate in its 12th annual Raices Gala, honoring artists whose deep roots and lifelong dedication have enriched our communities; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture (NMPRAC) and the vibrant Puerto Rican community of Chicago for their enduring commitment to preserving Boricua heritage, uplifting cultural identity, and inspiring future generations; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we commend Billy and Veronica Ocasio, the NMPRAC Board of Directors, the museum staff, and all of its devoted supporters for their visionary leadership and tireless efforts in advancing the museum for 25 years and the monumental Paseo Boricua Flags of Steel for 30 years.