10/19/2026
There were so many meaningful events around the 12th District this week, offering my staff and I even more opportunities to connect with the residents and businesses who make our neighborhoods so special.
On Tuesday, my office was honored to join in on the festivities as Back of the Yards Coffeehouse celebrated its 10-year anniversary. Patrons filled the shop and enjoyed fresh coffee, amazing food, free giveaways, and more as we commemorated the vision, determination and perseverance of Jesse and the entire BOTY team. We had such an amazing time with community leaders, friends and residents celebrating this first decade of service to our community, and I am dedicated to standing in support of BOTY for decades to come.
Chicago reminded us all why it’s called the Windy City, but my team and I didn’t let the cooler temperatures slow us down. We had the opportunity to meet with 50 students from the Colegio de Bachilleres in Durango, Mexico and have brunch with them in Cicero. This event was part of a student exchange between the state of Durango and city of Chicago, offering students new learning experiences and new opportunities in Illinois while honoring the cultural richness and traditions of Durango. Having the chance to connect with these students was especially heartfelt for me, as my family’s roots are in Durango. Thank you to Morton District 201 Superintendent Dr. Michael Kuzniewski, Principal of Morton East High School José Gamboa, Principal of Morton West High School Jorge Sanchez, Cicero Town Trustee Blanca M. Vargas, Principal of Colegio de Bachilleres Sonia Flores, Superintendent of Sierra de los Colegios de Bachilleres Fernando Díaz and Representative of the State of Durango Jorge Esparaza for spearheading this celebration of friendship, education and cultural exchange.
Saturday was packed with events. I started my day with community leaders, the Brighton Park Neighborhood Council, the Southwest Rapid Response volunteers and colleagues during a press conference in commemoration of the atrocities that occurred during Midway Blitz. We will continue to stand together and fight!
Following, was the 2026 Annual Latino Health Conference hosted by th