Lori Land - Lori Cannon Tribute Page

10/11/2026

A huge crowd of friends, community and dignitaries gathered on this glorious gorgeous fall day for the The Legacy Project induction of our AIDS Angel Lori Cannon together with Casmir Pulaski, Polish Hero of the American Revolutionary War. Lori joined founder, executive director and dear friend Victor Salvo as a founding board member along with author/historian Owen Keehnen ). She is on the pylon next to her best friend Danny Sotomayor. We think Lori would be very pleased!

The day kicked off with remarks and memorabilia at the Center on Halsted, everyone headed outside for the induction, and then on to our home Sidetrack for a celebratory reception.

Now our Lori has two deserving places of honor in our sweet home Chicago where her legacy will live on.

The Legacy Project is world’s only outdoor museum, celebrating L
LGBTQ contributions to history. It's an extraordinary part of Chicago, the Halsted Street corridor between Grace and Belmont. In 2019 the Chicago Landmarks Commission declared The Legacy Walk a Chicago historic landmark.

Enjoy these photos shared by her chosen daughter Angelique Munro, long-time pantry volunteer Joz Jmz, dear friends TJ Miller, Richard Knight Jr; and John Avila.

10/11/2026

Such a perfect day, it started with the Annual CHC meeting...and the tie to Lori Cannon many of you may not know...when Lori F. Cannon started Open Hand the first office, phone, fax, copier, space and equipment, was graciously provided the club. She was very proud and thankful to the club. She loved her boys...Ray Zimmerman's remarks today shared that as well... Sure do miss her everyday...always remember each one of us can make a difference. - Dean Ogren

08/30/2026

Danny Sotomayor ❤️
August 30, 1958

08/04/2026

If you haven't yet seen this, here's Lori talking about her student documentary...and the doc itself. And if you have, enjoy it again. It's speaks volumes about Lori, and the incredible career as a documentary filmmaker that was within her.

Send a message to learn more

08/03/2026

Today is a year without our Lori. It's unfathomable still, and there isn't a day that goes by we don't miss her. The voice. "Security". The red hair, nails. The caftan schamttes and flip flops. Her friendship, her fierceness, her devotion to clients, friends, volunteers, the people she loved.

But in this past year, we let her know that her legacy, the lessons she lived, she gave her life for, live on. We feed people with AIDS and HIV, the healthy care for the sick. The street named for her a visible, public testament and reminder that the work isn't done.

We also have to adapt the way we donate and organize to the times we are in, while always being true to the heart of the mission. And in these trying times in our country and culture, we have to double down to ensure people get what they need.

The collections, tradition continued - from Sidetrack The Video Bar ack to Hell in Handbag; to a new one from Ge**er Hart Library and Archives. Veteran volunteers stepped it up to help at Groceryland, work with new coordinator Cassy to get the job done.

The very best way we can honor Lori is to do this work:

Organize drives to keep the pantry shelves stocked

Collect the paper products and toiletries that aren't covered by SNAP at time when the administration is doing everything it can to weaken/dismantle this funding.

Do a shift at the pantry
Ask Cassy what grocery-related, donation errands are needed
Volunteer to work an event
Create an event or drive of your own

Contact Cassy: [email protected]

In no particular order, some snaps of our Lori. It's not fancy, it's not polished or produced. It's our gal, just the way we love her.
💖💄👑💋💅💖

06/28/2026

06/28/2026

Pride 🏳️‍🌈 Chicago
❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

06/15/2026

Of the many things our Lori did, one of them was championing and acknowledging heroes of the LGBTQ community. When dear friend, q***r writer and thinker Jon-Henri Damski passed away, Lori created the annual Jon-Henri Award to recognize the pivotal accomplishments to Chicago's LGBTQ community.

Gary G. Chichester is all that and more. Did you know that "Gary Chichester’s name is on the permit for the first official Pride Parade in the world, which took place in Chicago in June 1971? He and his homemade flag haven’t missed a Pride Parade since."

Check out this fantastic piece on Gary in the Windy City Times. Lori would approve. 🏳️‍🌈💄💋

https://windycitytimes.com/2026/06/15/we-wanted-to-be-seen-gary-chichester-preserves-legacy-of-chicagos-first-pride-rally-and-parade/

06/13/2026

Pride Month 2026 🏳️‍🌈

Each year Sidetrack throws a party to celebrate their anniversary, and this year is the 44th! And that means a collection paper products and toiletries for Groceryland clients. Lori knew EBT doesn't cover these items, so she rallied the community to do collections throughout the year.
🧻🧴🧼🪥

So for pride month, bring it on! Have you made your visit to Honorary Lori Cannon Way? You can drop off donations, and get your snap with the sign.

Service Hours
5543 N. Broadway, Chicago IL 60640

Tuesday & Thursday 12-5pm Saturday 11-2pm

Office phone: 773-271-5110
Contact: Cassy

Having a party or gathering this month? Consider asking your guests to bring:

Toilet paper
Paper towels
Body wash
Shampoo
Toothpaste, toothbrush
Razors (women and men)

You can also order on Amazon or via Instacart from your favorite store and have it delivered directly to Groceryland:

5543 N. Broadway, Chicago IL 60640 Attn: Cassy

Happy Anniversary Sidetrack, we love you!

Photos Joz Jmz and Paul L. Highfield