CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Some communities in Illinois known for their unique cultural footprint will be getting some help from the state in maintaining their identity.
Governor Pritzker announced Thursday that cultural districts throughout the State of Illinois will now be eligible to receive state designation.
"Empowering communities to honor their unique identities and significant contributions to the State of Illinois," Pritzker said.
From the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture in Humboldt Park, Governor Pritzker was joined by members of the Latino Caucus, such as State Representative Delia Ramirez, who helped lead the legislative effort to bring state-designated cultural districts to the State of Illinois.
"So when you go down Division Street, if you can't make it to Puerto Rico, you can enjoy the best Puerto Rican food, the most amazing music and theater, and you can see housing that is truly something we are proud of - affordable, yes, high quality, yes," she said.
Governor Pritzker said the new designations, a first of its kind program in the nation at state level, will open the door to new economic development while giving communities a voice in protecting their cultural traditions "for generations to come."
"Historic landmarks, neighborhood celebrations, inclusive entrepreneurship - these are distinctions that keep communities strong," Pritzker said.
Over the years as she worked on the legislation, State Representative Delia Ramirez told WBBM Newsradio that in simple terms the cultural designations will lessen the fear of homogenized forms of gentrification, allowing communities such as Puerto Rican-inspired Humboldt Park to maintain their unique feel.
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