Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel joined Kyiv city administrator Oleksandr Popov in Chicago to reaffirm the 1991 Chicago-Kyiv Sister Cities Agreement. With this partnership, Emanuel will continue to promote the city of Chicago as an economic partner and tourist destination to Ukrainian business and government leaders, according to a release from Emanuel’s press service of the Dec. 3 meeting..
“I welcome Oleksandr Popov to Chicago and am proud to renew our commitment as Sister Cities, allowing for further collaboration, economic growth and cultural partnership,” said Emanuel. “Chicago’s history as a city of immigrants has been made richer by the Ukrainian people, who have played a defining role in the economic, social and cultural fabric of Chicago.”
Besides meeting with Emanuel on Dec.3, Popov took part in a street-naming ceremony with city Alderman Roberto Maldonado in the Ukrainian Village neighborhood.
“What makes Chicago unique is our celebration of the diverse peoples and cultures that make our city, every immigrant’s home away from home. The Ukrainian people have called Chicago, and the 26th Ward, home since 1890 and have proudly joined us as a ‘Sister City’ since 1991,” said Maldonado. “Today we commemorate our historic alliance for future generations of Ukrainians by designating Chicago Avenue and Oakley Boulevard ‘Honorary Kyiv-Chicago Sister Cities Way’ and look forward to promoting mutual economic and business development for the progressive growth of both of our great cities.”
The Chicago area is home to nearly 40,000 Chicagoans of Ukrainian heritage. The Ukrainian Village neighborhood, has been the central hub of Ukrainian cultural life since the start of the 20th century, and continues to be the home of three major Ukrainian churches, the Ukrainian National Museum, a Ukrainian Cultural Center, and many Ukrainian restaurants, stores and businesses.
“I am incredibly honored to welcome Oleksandr Popov of the great city of Kyiv to the 1st Ward. Chicago’s Ukrainian community is a perfect example of the diversity and passion which makes our nation and our city so great,” said Alderman Joe Moreno of the 1st Ward.
For further information please visit: http://www.cityofchicago.org/
