Del Valle's Next Step

Miguel del Valle only got 9 percent in February’s mayoral election, but it was a very intense 9 percent. Del Valle captured the hearts and minds of left-leaning Chicagoans. Young non-profit employees, labor lawyers, bloggers, artists who paint murals under viaducts, waiters at the Heartland Café -- they all voted for Del Valle. And they’ve all been waiting for the next act in the “new, progressive movement” del Valle promised would grow out of his candidacy.

For weeks, there’s been a rumor that del Valle was planning something big for May 14. Now, he’s finally announced it on his Facebook page. Instead of the progressive convention everyone was expecting, though, del Valle is encouraging his followers to attend a Quality Public Neighborhood Schools for All Parent Summit at Whittier Elementary School in Pilsen, where parents staged a 45-day sit in at an empty field house. The Chicago Public Schools want to tear down the field house and replace it with a soccer field. The parents want the field house converted to a library. Here’s the message from del Valle:

Dear friends,


There is a buzz in Chicago among people striving for a city that works together. Inspired by Wisconsin and our immigrant youth, Chicagoans are reaching new levels of organizing to make sure that this is a city of prosperity for all not just for some. Shortly after the election in February, I invited you to join me for a gathering to keep the energy from my campaign going. Instead of that general gathering on May 14th, I’ve decided to stand with the Whittier mothers as they call together Chicago parents to work for quality public neighborhood schools. I stood with the Whittier mothers when they occupied the fieldhouse of their school to make sure their children receive the education we all deserve and I will continue to work alongside them. So on May 14th, I will be the keynote speaker at the parent summit called for by the Whittier Parent Committee and Blocks together. I invite you to join me on that day to discover how we can all work together for quality public education in Chicago and stay tuned for news of future gatherings. The Quality Public Neighborhood Schools for All Parent Summit Saturday May 14th 2011, 12:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., Whittier School, 1900 W. 23rd St. If you’d like to volunteer at theevent, you can call Blocks Together at 773 -276-2194 I hope to see you then.

Toward a global city that takes care of its neighborhoods, Miguel del Valle

Contact Us