On May 25-30, leather shop 64TEN, 6410 N. Clark St., will mark its 21st anniversary.
The celebrations will coincide with the International Mr. Leather (IML)/Memorial Day holiday weekend.
As part of the events, 64TEN will hold a tribute and honorary street-naming ceremony for Ed Negron on Monday, May 30, at 11 a.m. at the corner of Clark Street and Devon Avenue.
A press release from 64TEN stated, "Ed Negron was such an inspiration to our 64TEN family and the community. His countless contributions to the LGBTQ+ community and his selfless and caring attitude proved how and why he touched so many people's lives.
"Ed was the first person to be named Employee of the Year here at 64TEN and he won that coveted title several times. We will keep Ed's memory alive here at 64TEN and throughout the community as we have decided to name this award the Ed Negron 64TEN Employee of the Year Award in his honor.
"We have been working together with Monica Rodriguez [Negron's sister] to put together the tribute and street naming that will be done in Ed's Honor. Thank you to the City of Chicago and Alderperson Andre Vasquez for allowing us to honor Ed in this way. Monica says, 'I am so glad that this is happening because my brother was all about his community. He has done so much to help others and it's great to know that he is being acknowledged for the great work he has done. Give this man his roses!'
"[State Rep.] Greg Harris says, 'Ed was one of my best friends, but also a leader in many important struggles, and an inspiration who changed many people's lives. This is an honor he richly deserves."
Negron was also a prominent photographer who took pictures for Windy City Times, among other publications.
