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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING DOROTHY FERGUSON FOR A LIFETIME OF SERVICE AND COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
WHEREAS, Dorothy Ferguson was born on May 28, 1933, in Georgia, where she attended Moultrie Elementary and High School before continuing her education at the College for Colored Girls in Albany, Georgia; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Ferguson later relocated to Chicago, Illinois, where she built a life rooted in service, leadership, and dedication to strengthening her community; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Ferguson is the proud mother of Caroline Turner, grandmother to Montana Durden, and great-grandmother to Amir Durden, and her family remains a central part of her legacy; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Ferguson built a distinguished professional career working at AMP and People’s Gas, where she demonstrated a strong work ethic and commitment before retiring after years of dedicated service; and
WHEREAS, in 2003 Ms. Ferguson joined the Central West Regional Senior Center, where she quickly became known as a passionate advocate for seniors, an active volunteer, and a respected leader who helped foster meaningful relationships and community among fellow seniors; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Ferguson served on the City of Chicago Senior Advisory Council for more than twenty years, dedicating her time and voice to advocating for programs, services, and policies that support the well-being and dignity of older adults; and
WHEREAS, a woman of many talents, Ms. Ferguson has been a longtime member of the Chicago Hoofers Senior Tap group, enjoys line dancing, and once played in a Senior Basketball League before later serving as a coach, demonstrating her vibrant spirit and commitment to active living; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Ferguson’s dedication to service and community has earned her numerous honors, including the Chicago Senior Citizen Hall of Fame (2005), Chicago Park District Senior of the Year (2009), the SHARE Senior Honor Medal Award (2008), the Senior of the Year Distinguished Service Award (2018), the Pillar Excellence Award from Lawndale, and multiple appreciation and volunteer awards from the Chicago Police Department’s 11th District recognizing her years of outstanding service; and
WHEREAS, through her leadership, volunteerism, and tireless advocacy, Ms. Ferguson has uplifted countless individuals and strengthened the fabric of her community, embodying the spirit of service celebrated through the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Distinguished Service Award; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners does hereby honor Dorothy Ferguson for her lifelong commitment to service, leadership, and advocacy for seniors in the City of Chicago; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Dorothy Ferguson as a token of the gratitude and respect.
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