(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Classes start next week for Chicago Public Schools, and one school in Bridgeport held a back-to-school bash Thursday to warm up its new name.
The former McClellan Elementary School, at 3527 S. Wallace, is now officially known as Minnie Miñoso Academy. It is named for the late White Sox Hall of Famer who played at Old Comiskey Park just a few blocks away.
The Cuban-born Miñoso is considered a trailblazer who helped pave the way for Latin players in the major leagues. His son, Charlie Rice-Miñoso, said it’s an honor to his father’s memory and a representation of the American Dream. The younger Miñoso noted that his father, who grew up poor during the Depression, never had the chance to pursue and education.
“It’s so special, we’re so thrilled,” he said.
The elder Miñoso died in 2015.
Miñoso Academy is one of three CPS schools that followed a CPS process and changed its name ahead of the 2023-24 school year. The others are Daisy Bates Academy of Social Justice (formerly Caldwell Academy of Math & Science) and Monarcas Academy (formerly Enrico Tonti Elementary).
Related
Listen to our new podcast Courier Pigeon
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram