A few dozen people gathered at the corner of Roscoe and Halsted streets the morning of May 30 to dedicate the rainbow- and trans-flag crosswalks that have been installed along various Halsted Street intersections.
Seven of the planned 14 crosswalks have been completed, according to officials, making it the largest rainbow sidewalk installation in the world. The rest of the sidewalks are expected to be completed in time for the Pride Fest celebration in June.
Among those in attendance were openly gay aldermen Ray Lopez (15th Ward), Tom Tunney (44th Ward) and James Cappleman (46th Ward). Tunney named Vice Mayor for the City of Chicago May 29.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot sent remarks for the dedication, but was unable to attend.
Eric Santiago, director of operations for the Northalsted Business Alliance, also spoke about the work that went into the crosswalks, as did NorthHalsted's Executive Director Kevin Richards, Board President Ramesh Ariyanayakam and Board Vice-President Stu Zirin.
Also offering remarks were Sidetrack co-owner Art Johnston and Roscoe's owner Jim Ludwig.
Legacy Project Executive Director Victor Salvo and Rafael Leon, executive director of the Chicago Metropolitan Housing Development Corporation, spoke about the the recent City Council move to make Halsted Street's rainbow pylons historical landmarks. The full council is expected to move on that soon.
