Summary — SR 347 (RECOGNIZES‑NMPRAC)
Status: Resolution Adopted
Introduced: March 27, 2025
Classification: Senate resolution (ceremonial)
Main purpose
SR 347 is a ceremonial Senate resolution that recognizes and commends the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture (NMPRAC) in Chicago and its leaders, staff, board, and supporters for their work preserving and promoting Puerto Rican arts, history, and identity. The resolution highlights NMPRAC’s national role, key anniversaries and events, and the Paseo Boricua “Flags of Steel” monument.
Key provisions / findings
- Notes that NMPRAC was founded and incorporated by the Boricua community of Humboldt Park in 2000 and that, in 2014, it became the only U.S. museum exclusively dedicated to Puerto Rican arts and culture outside Puerto Rico.
- Acknowledges NMPRAC’s national impact, citing tens of thousands of annual visitors from all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and other countries.
- Highlights leadership of Billy Ocasio (former 26th Ward alderperson) and his role in erecting the Paseo Boricua Flags of Steel — each flag structure described as 55 feet tall, 56 feet wide, weighing over 40 tons — and recognizes the monument’s 30th anniversary on January 6, 2025.
- Notes upcoming NMPRAC milestones and events in September 2025: the museum’s 25th anniversary, the Barrio Arts Fest, the 5th Annual Puerto Rican Engage Conference, and the 12th annual Raíces Gala.
- Commends Billy and Veronica Ocasio, NMPRAC’s board, staff, and supporters for leadership and efforts advancing the museum and Puerto Rican cultural identity.
- Directs the Secretary of the Senate to make copies of the resolution available to the public and press.
Who is affected / targeted
- NMPRAC (museum), its leadership (Billy and Veronica Ocasio), board, staff, volunteers, and supporters.
- The Puerto Rican / Boricua community in Chicago (Humboldt Park, Paseo Boricua) and partner artists and institutions across the Puerto Rican diaspora.
- The resolution is advisory/ceremonial; it does not impose duties on third parties or create funding or regulatory changes.
Legislative timeline and procedural status (selected entries)
- 2025-03-04: Senate Hopper
- 2025-03-06: Senate Read and Referred
- 2025-03-27: Received by Secretary of the Senate (Introduced)
- 2025-03-31: Read & adopted; vote recorded in journal; reported enrolled
- 2025-05-27: Filed with Secretary; referred to Assignments
- 2025-10-30 to 10-31: Approved for consideration / referred to Congratulatory Consent Calendar; Resolution Adopted (10-31-2025)
Sponsors
Primary sponsors include Senators Kenya Wicks, Sally Harrell, Nabilah Islam Parkes, Sonya Halpern, Kim Jackson, Elena Parent, David Lucas, Sheikh Rahman, Derek Mallow, Donzella James, Randal Mangham, Nan Orrock, Harold Jones II, Tonya Anderson, Gail Davenport, Jason Esteves, Michael “Doc” Rhett, and Omar Aquino.
Impact and significance
SR 347 is a formal recognition celebrating NMPRAC’s cultural contributions and milestones. As a non‑binding resolution, its primary effects are symbolic: raising visibility for NMPRAC, validating its role as a national cultural institution, and publicly commending community leaders and volunteers involved in Puerto Rican cultural preservation and outreach.
