On the unseasonably warm and sunny afternoon of Oct. 10, Open Hand/Chicago Co-Founder, LGBTQ+ and HIV/AIDS ally/activist and Legacy Project Co-Founder Lori F. Cannon and U.S. Revolutionary War Brigadier General, Father of the American Calvary and hero Casimir Pulaski were inducted into the Legacy Walk in Chicago’s Northalsted neighborhood.
The 15th annual event included a program at Center on Halsted, bronze memorial plaque unveilings along Halsted Street and an afterparty at Sidetrack.
Program speakers included Legacy Project Board President Ralph Kennedy; Legacy Project Board Member David Martin; Cannon’s friends and GroceryLand volunteers Dean Ogren and Roy Zimmerman; Cannon’s friend and former GroceryLand client Angelique Munro; Chicago Ald. Bennett Lawson (44th Ward); and Legacy Project Executive Director and Co-Founder Victor Salvo.
Ahead of the plaque unveilings, Cannon plaque sponsor Ron Puskaritz and Pulaski plaque sponsor Michael Raffety gave remarks. Legacy Project Board Vice President Kit Welch read both plaque biographies.
Kennedy stressed the vital work Legacy Project does to “record, celebrate and talk about the contributions LGBTQ+ people have made throughout history because there are people who want to erase us and our history and what we have done for this country and we aren’t going to let it happen. Our campaign is, ‘We will not be erased.’”
Additionally, Kennedy read a long-form biography about Cannon which touched on the important work she did to help those who were diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. The biography also chronicled her close friendship with fellow Legacy Walk inductee Daniel Sotomayor, and her signature fiery red hair, press on nails and flip flops she wore no matter the weather conditions, among other facts about her life.
Ogren said he felt an instant connection with and desire to be in proximity to Cannon and Salvo when he met them for the first time at the Second National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights in 1987, near the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt display. He reflected on Cannon’s whole mission, which was to make sure no one went hungry or without.
Ogren added that he could “think of no one else who deserves this” but Cannon.
Zimmerman said every time he walked by Cannon’s office at GroceryLand she would insist on having a chat or telling one of her many interesting and sometimes amusing stories. Cannon recounted to Zimmerman and others at GroceryLand one of the first times she delivered meals in the van and “wound up in the middle of the Puerto Rican Day Parade.” She decided to “play” along until she was able to extricate herself from the situation. Zimmerman added that he put press on nails in her urn before she was buried.
Munro spoke about her time as a GroceryLand client and how much Cannon helped her become the person she is today. She recalled when Cannon first referred to her as “her daughter,” and said Cannon treated her better than her own birth mother.
Munro will this year give back to Cannon and GroceryLand with her annual Turkey Trot fundraiser.
“This will be our 17th year doing the Turkey Trot,” said Munro. “Unfortunately, the second year without her, but it will continue as long as I’m breathing, whether it’s live in person or online. And I have to do it because you know what? She wouldn’t let me not do it.
Lawson said the almost 30-year-old rainbow pylons took on much more meaning when the Legacy Project’s bronze memorial plaques were added, offering a means by which to educate about heroes in the LGBTQ+ community. Lawson also reflected on how Cannon impacted his life and shaped who he is today as an elected official.
“Thank you for telling our stories and making sure especially right now that we are helping each other, like Lori would want, and we’re fighting like they would both want, for freedom and justice so we won’t be erased,” said Bennett.
While discussing Pulaski, Martin described himself as a “proud openly gay Polish American. Today we gather to honor a figure whose life bridges nations, movements and identities. We stand here not only to celebrate a hero of two countries, but to recognize a story that speaks to courage, authenticity and the enduring pursuit of freedom.”
He also spoke about Pulaski’s life in Poland; his exile in France, where he met Benjamin Franklin; and his decision to join the American Revolution. Martin also told attendees about the much later revelations thanks to modern forensic research and DNA evidence efforts that Pulaski may have been intersex.
Ahead of Cannon’s plaque unveiling Puskaritz called her an “angel to so many.” He also spoke about her friendship with Sotomayor. Puskaritz said Cannon was chosen due to being the the “person she was and the values she lived every day. Because that was Lori … Lori, we love you, we miss you and we can practically hear you telling us not to make too big a fuss—and to get back to work. Your name belongs here. Your legacy lives on in all of us.”
Ahead of Pulaski’s plaque unveiling, Raffety said he was “glad we’re able to be here to honor and celebrate the diversity of gender and gender identity across Halsted, Chicago, the country and the world.”
Cannon’s plaque is located next to Sotomayor’s, while Pulaski’s plaque is next to José Sarria’s, on the west side of Halsted Street between Addison and Roscoe Streets.
Note: Carrie Maxwell is also the Legacy Project Senior Researcher.
