title
PROPOSED RESOLUTION
CELEBRATING WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH AND THE MAJORITY-WOMEN COOK COUNTY BOARD
WHEREAS, March is Women’s History Month which recognizes and honors the contributions, sacrifice, and perseverance of women throughout history; and
WHEREAS, the 19th amendment to the United States Constitution, granting women the right to vote, was ratified on August 18, 1920; and
WHEREAS, the fight for electoral equality continued after the 19th amendment was ratified, as women of color faced extraordinary barriers to suffrage. African American, Latina, Native American and Asian American women fought for enfranchisement throughout the 20th century; and
WHEREAS, Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate those who have fought tirelessly for equal rights, protections, and opportunities for all. Each step forward for women has come on the backs of those who came before and with great struggle against patriarchy and oppression; and
WHEREAS, the United States Congress officially passed legislation in 1987 designating March as Women’s History Month; and
WHEREAS, Cook County has been a leader in the advancement of women’s rights throughout its history, and this month is a time to acknowledge the women who have shaped this county, country, and world; and
WHEREAS, the Cook County Commission on Women's Issues was created by Resolution of the Cook County Board of Commissioners in October of 1995. The Commission is composed of 21 women of various racial, economic, ethnic, and occupational backgrounds, with the goal of addressing a variety of issues affecting the status of women and girls, including domestic violence, childcare, economic equity, and health; and
WHEREAS, Cook County now marks a historic milestone with the first women-majority Board in its history, led by Board President Toni Preckwinkle and including nine (9) women Commissioners: Commissioner of the 1st District, Tara S. Stamps, Commissioner of the 5th District, Dr. Kisha E. McCaskill, Commissioner of the 6th District, Donna Miller, Commissioner of the 7th District, Alma E. Anaya, Commissioner of the 8th District, Jessica Vásquez, Commissioner of the 9th District, Maggie Trevor, Commissioner of the 10th District, Bridget Gainer, Commissioner of the 12th District, Bridget Degnen, and Commissioner of the 13th District, Josina Morita; and
WHEREAS, Cook County further benefits from the service of other women currently elected to countywide office, including State’s Attorney Eileen O'Neill Burke; County Clerk Monica Gordon; Clerk of the Circuit Court Mariyana Spyropoulos; County Treasurer Maria Pappas; and Board of Review Commissioner Samantha Steele; and
WHEREAS, Cook County also honors the legacy of the 23 women who previously served on the Cook County Board and whose leadership paved the way for this historic majority: Anna Bemis, Anna Nowak, Mildred Fleming, Mary McEnerney, Marie Coyle, Amelia Sears, Elizabeth A. Conkey, Lucy Palermo, Lillian Piotrowski, Ruby Ryan, Josephine B. Sneed, Irene C. Hernandez, Mildred Casey, Mary Mix McDonald, Rose-Marie Love, Bobbie L. Steele, Maria Pappas, Deborah Sims, Darlena Williams-Burnett, Earlean Collins, Joan Patricia Murphy, Elizabeth Ann Doody Gorman and Monica Gordon.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners recognizes and honors the achievements of locally elected women and the first women-majority Cook County Board; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners recognizes March as Women’s History Month and celebrates the significant achievements and contributions of women in Cook County and beyond.
end