Here’s a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on June 12, according to the Tribune’s archives.
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Weather records (from the National Weather Service, Chicago)
High temperature: 97 degrees
(1956) Low temperature: 40 degrees
(1985) Precipitation: 1.5 inches
(2021) Snowfall: None
1966: In Humboldt Park, white Chicago police Officer Thomas Munyon shot Arcelis Cruz, a young Puerto Rican man, in the leg. The incident ignited two days of rioting along Division Street that sprang from deep frustrations over bad police relations, poor schools and uncaring landlords.
On the first day of unrest, the Tribune reported, three squad cars were burned, 35 people were arrested and 19 people were injured. Stores along Division Street were looted and set on fire. A firebomb was thrown into Schley Elementary School.
Firefighters had a hose wrested from their hands as they tried to extinguish the flames of a burning police car. A Tribune photographer was robbed of his camera, beaten and kicked, until neighborhood residents rescued him. The nearby St. Mary’s Hospital treated both civilians and police officers.
The violence subsided after a heavy rainfall and hundreds of police officers were placed on patrol in the area.
The Chicago Bulls championship win featured on the front page of the Chicago Tribune on June 13, 1991.
1991: The Chicago Bulls won the first NBA championship in the team’s 25-year history with a 108-101 victory in Game 5 of the NBA Finals over the Los Angeles Lakers. MVP Michael Jordan scored 30 points, Scottie Pippen had 32 and John Paxson added 20. The Bulls won three straight on the road at the Forum.
”(The championship) means so much,” said Jordan, in tears after the game, talking to a national television audience. ”Not just for me but for this team and this city. It was a seven-year struggle. It’s the most proud day I’ve ever had.”
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signs the Reproductive Health Act into law at the Chicago Cultural Center on June 12, 2019, with bill sponsors state Sen. Melinda Bush, left, and state Rep. Kelly Cassidy. (José M. Osorio/Chicago Tribune)
2019: Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed into law sweeping abortion rights legislation that established the procedure as a “fundamental right” for women in Illinois.
Michael Jordan: The Finals MVP
Michael Jordan’s performance in the 1991 Finals was nothing short of legendary. At 28 years old, he showcased his unparalleled skill, leadership, and clutch play. His ability to dominate both offensively and defensively set him apart, earning him the Finals MVP award. Jordan’s iconic moment in Game 2, when he switched hands mid-air for a layup, became one of the most replayed highlights in NBA history, symbolizing his creativity and athleticism.
His statistical dominance was matched by his emotional leadership. Teammates recalled Jordan’s intensity and focus, pushing the Bulls to overcome the Lakers’ experience. This championship was a coronation for Jordan, who had faced criticism earlier in his career for not yet winning a title. His MVP performance silenced doubters and cemented his status as the face of the NBA.
A City’s Pride and a Legacy Begins
The 1991 championship was a transformative moment for Chicago. The Bulls’ victory brought a sense of unity and pride to a city known for its resilience. For fans, it was a moment of collective joy, as Chicagoans from all walks of life celebrated their team’s triumph. The win also marked the start of a golden era for the Bulls, who would go on to win three straight titles from 1991 to 1993, with Jordan leading the charge.
Beyond sports, the Bulls’ success had a lasting impact on Chicago’s global image. The team became a cultural phenomenon, with Jordan’s fame transcending basketball to make the Bulls a household name worldwide. The 1991 championship laid the foundation for this legacy, proving that Chicago could produce champions on the biggest stage.
Looking Back: A Day to Remember
Thirty-four years later, June 12, 1991, remains a cherished date in Chicago history. The image of Michael Jordan holding the Larry O’Brien Trophy, tears in his eyes, is etched in the minds of fans. The Bulls’ first championship was more than a sports victory—it was a moment that defined a generation and elevated Chicago’s place in basketball history. As we reflect on this milestone, the names of Jordan, Pippen, Jackson, and the 1991 Bulls continue to inspire pride and nostalgia for a city that loves its champions.