NAPERVILLE, Ill. — Naperville City Councilman Ashfaq Syed announced that the shoes he wore during his two-year grassroots campaign have been donated for permanent preservation and display as part of the America 250 exhibit presented by the Naperville Heritage Society.
The exhibit, housed at Naper Settlement, commemorates the 250th anniversary of the United States and highlights local stories that reflect the broader American experience.
Syed wore the shoes while walking thousands of steps across Naperville — knocking on doors in neighborhoods, attending parades, participating in community meetings and cultural gatherings, and holding front-porch conversations with residents. Born in Hyderabad, India, Syed had been a Naperville resident for eight years when he was elected in 2025. He is the first Indian American and the first Muslim elected to the Naperville City Council.
“These shoes represent far more than a campaign,” Syed said. “They represent listening, trust and relationships built one conversation at a time. Every step reminds me of a resident who shared concerns, hopes and ideas for our city.”
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For Syed, an immigrant, the recognition carries special meaning.
“To see a small piece of my journey preserved in the history of the community that welcomed me is humbling beyond words,” he said. “This does not belong to me — it belongs to the people of Naperville who opened their doors and placed their trust in me.”
The America 250 exhibit connects everyday civic participation to the nation’s story, emphasizing that history is shaped not only by monuments and textbooks but also by neighbors working together to build a better future.
Syed expressed gratitude to the museum and the community for recognizing the significance of grassroots civic engagement.
“Thank you for preserving these shoes and sharing this story with the community,” he said. “And thank you, Naperville, for walking this path with me.”