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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
CELEBRATING THE POETRY PERFORMANCE OF CHRISTIANNA GRAY AT THE “I WILL” FLAG RAISING
WHEREAS, Christianna Gray is a proud Cook County resident who just graduated from heighth grade at Calvin Christian School; and
WHEREAS, in September 2022, Christianna was an integral part of the inaugural raising of the “I Will” flag, performing the poem “Cook County As A Brand,” written by her mentor Orlando Ceaser, at just 11 years old; and
WHEREAS, Christianna thoughtfully and painstakingly chose this poem as she found that it best represented the creation of a new Cook County flag and how it could, in turn, represent a change in the way Cook County residents view themselves; and
WHEREAS, Christianna’s passion for her craft was apparent in her performance at the “I Will” flag raising, and was met with much celebration; and
WHEREAS, Christianna has been an ardent linguist from a young age, speaking in complete sentences at a mere nine months old; and
WHEREAS, Christianna’s love for words has blossomed as she has grown, and she has found herself drawn to poetry and the ability to put parts of herself into her work; and
WHEREAS, Christianna is a second generation motivational speaker who is passionate about expressing herself and encouraging others use their voices for change; and
WHEREAS, Christianna is known for her kindness, compassion, activism, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit; and
WHEREAS, in addition to writing her own poetry, Christianna enjoys reading and travel in her free time; and
WHEREAS, as she looks to the future, Christanna plans to become a lawyer and a neurologist through a full scholarship she has already received to Tennessee State University; and
WHEREAS, Christianna finds herself inspired by the elected officials she has seen and met who are personal in their approach to problems, and who take a genuine interest in the well-being of the residents of Cook County; and
WHEREAS, the full text of “Cook County As A Brand” as written by Orlando Ceaser and performed by Christianna reads:
A county of neighborhoods
and many factions.
A thriving business community
with cosmopolitan interactions.
The county of broad shoulders,
The county that works.
The county of many names
and many claims.
That tries to be scandal resistant
to shake off the strain
of people being distant.
A legacy of patronage and partisan politics,
strong unions and labor
that sparsely integrated
so, we look like our neighbors.
We have a brand that must be respected.
Or should I say repaired and respected.
These are the times when the brand is a sale
by those who perceive that we have failed.
But aggressive opponents should understand
Cook County is working on a better brand.
Rebrand the county.
Not as a public relations ploy,
or publicity stunt.
Recapture the neighborhoods
so citizens will enjoy it
more than Millennium Park and the lake front.
But the championships and competition
The legacy of a rich tradition
of excellence in science and the arts.
Where business percolates and new Starts
provide a hopeful and refreshing atmosphere
Pertaining to training
this sustaining and sincere.
What a brand where energy and pride
courses through our collective veins
as our hearts beat the resources excite our spirits as our brains
Trade provocative innovation,
better quality in education
as police equally enforced loss with greater cooperation.
If we establish strong coalitions
with people of faith and their traditions
with differences and depositions,
a relationship as a transition
to seek as we trust
to rebuild confidence
that justice is just.
And when we do this and people trust
we reduce animosity
increase innovation and curiosity.
As a mecca for music we invite crowds
to witness the culture of which we are proud.
Festivals, festivities and cuisine
that amidst of political machines.
but it is all for the common and greater good.
Rebrand Cook County
and its neighborhoods.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners does hereby celebrate and honor Christianna Gray for her artistic poetry performance at the inaugural “I Will” flag raising in September 2022; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of the Resolution be tendered to Christianna Gray as a means of communicating our thanks and well wishes in all her future endeavors.
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