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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
AUGUST AS FOOTWORK APPRECIATION MONTH IN COOK COUNTY
WHEREAS, Chicago Footwork is a distinctive and powerful cultural art form that emerged in the late 1980s on the West and South Sides of Cook County, in the lineage of House music and shaped by the innovation, talent, and resilience of Black youth and community creatives; and
WHEREAS, characterized by rapid, intricate foot movements, Chicago Footwork is more than a dance - it is a form of storytelling, expression, and identity that promotes improvisation, discipline, and creative freedom; and
WHEREAS, Chicago Footwork has become a global movement, with the style spreading to Asia, Europe, Africa, Australia, Central America, South America, and North America, with global scenes now emerging that honor and adapt Chicago’s original style while remaining deeply connected to its community roots through local artists, dance crews, DJs, music producers, and educators who continue to teach, perform, and mentor the next generation; and
WHEREAS, Chicago Footwork has served as a powerful tool for youth engagement, cultural preservation, and violence prevention - offering young people in Cook County an outlet for self-expression, community building, and civic pride; and
WHEREAS, community organizations and artists have used Footwork to host public performances, educational workshops, and neighborhood events that uplift and connect residents of all ages and backgrounds; and
WHEREAS, the initiative to recognize and celebrate Chicago Footwork through the creation of Footwork Appreciation Month is led by Creative Netwerk, ChicagoFootworkDotCom, and Kumba Lynx, who have worked to amplify the voices of local dancers, preserve the cultural legacy, and ensure continued investment in this powerful art form; and
WHEREAS, we further recognize and honor the individuals and cultural contributions that have preserved and propelled the movement, including:
• Shadawn Battle, for her documentary Footwork Saved My Life, which captures the transformative power of Footwork in the lives of young people;
• Issac Harris and Crossfire, for their leadership, talent, and mentorship in pushing the boundaries of Footwork as an art form;
• DJ Clent, a pioneer of the Footwork sound, whose music continues to influence generations of dancers and producers;
• The Era Footwork Crew, for their global ambassadorship, education, and cultural preservation efforts that have brought Footwork into the national and international spotlight;
WHEREAS, recognizing Chicago Footwork affirms the value of homegrown art, celebrates the contributions of Black creators, and encourages continued investment in youth, culture, and community leadership;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners hereby declares the month of August as Footwork Appreciation Month in Cook County, in partnership with Creative Netwerk, ChicagoFootworkDotCom, and Kumba Lynx, and encourages residents, cultural institutions, schools, and community organizations to celebrate, honor, and support this important cultural tradition; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County will continue to explore ways to support Chicago Footwork-centered programming, performances, and educational initiatives that reflect the values of creativity, equity, and community empowerment.
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