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Committee approves naming South Fourth pocket park for Clementina Castro
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Summary
The Public Works Committee voted to adopt a resolution to name the small city-owned park at South Fourth Street and West Mineral Street “Clementina Castro Park,” honoring a local Latina civil rights and community leader; the family and local advocates spoke in favor during public testimony.
The Public Works Committee on May 1 approved a resolution to name the city-owned pocket park at South Fourth Street and West Mineral Street “Clementina Castro Park.” The file (250060), sponsored by Common Council President José Pérez, was moved for adoption and carried without objection.
Alderman José Pérez introduced the measure, saying he had been contacted by County Supervisor Juan Miguel Martinez and members of the Castro family who provided background on Clementina Castro’s community work and her role in creating neighborhood recreation access near La Causa daycare. Pérez said the family and representatives of La Causa were present to support the name change.
Tomas Castro, the honoree’s son, told the committee he joined Father James Groppi in a march to Madison at age 13 with his mother. “When I was 13 years old, I walked to Madison together with Father James Groppi,” Tomas Castro said, describing his mother’s civil-rights-era activism and urging approval.
County Supervisor Juan Miguel Martinez said the proposal would add recognition of a Latino woman leader to Milwaukee’s roster of civil-rights figures. “We celebrate our women leaders of color,” Martinez said, noting other Milwaukee women leaders and arguing Castro’s work in the Chicano rights movement merits formal recognition.
Juan Miguel Martinez and Tomas Castro were joined at the podium by representatives of La Causa, who earlier celebrated Castro’s life at the organization’s banquet and supported the park renaming.
Alderman Bob Baumann moved adoption; there were no objections and the committee ordered the resolution adopted.
The action now moves to the full Common Council for final administrative steps to install signage and update city records.
