HR1204 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1204 LRB095 20778 KXB 49371 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate Carlos Tortolero, President of the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago, on being recognized by the Illinois Humanities Council; and

WHEREAS, Carlos Tortolero founded Chicago's National Museum of Mexican Art more than two decades ago to increase understanding and appreciation of Mexican culture; he has dedicated his life to increasing awareness of the culture, starting from his work as a teacher in Chicago Public Schools and as the head of the nationally known museum; and

WHEREAS, The 23-year Berwyn resident will be recognized for his work by the Illinois Humanities Council in May of 2008, with the 2008 Public Humanities Award; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Tortolero has been able to give back to his hometown and the Berwyn and Cicero communities directly through his work with the museum, through the Yollocalli initiative; the effort is an education and career-training program for teenagers and young adults aimed at increasing their understanding of and ability in the arts and offers free classes to Morton High School District 201 students; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Tortolero was chosen for the award for the impact he's made upon civic life in Illinois through the humanities, particularly upon citizens of Latino heritage; and

WHEREAS, The National Museum of Mexican Art has grown into the largest Latino arts institution in the country and the only Latino museum to be accredited by the American Association of Museums, which regularly turns out exhibits that tour the United States and Mexico; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Carlos Tortolero on being recognized by the Illinois Humanities Council and wish him the best in his future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Carlos Tortolero as a symbol of our respect and esteem.