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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE LIFE AND CAREER OF SHARI A. NICHOLS-SWEAT
WHEREAS, Shari was born and raised in the City of Chicago where she attended Chicago Public Schools until graduating from Dunbar Vocational High School in 1975. During her matriculations, Shari was a staple at and for school programs and events as a soulful singer and actress. Shari became Miss Dunbar in 1974-1975; and
WHEREAS, Shari attended Grambling State University as a Vocal Music Major where Shari joined the Theater Guild and performed in the University Choir on scholarship. One of Shari’s most memorable performances occurred in Grambling’s production of the Broadway Musical “Purlie” in a starring role. Additionally, Shari pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc., and Theta Alpha Phi National Theatre Honors Fraternity; and
WHEREAS, in 1980, Shari graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education and Vocal Music. Shari returned to Chicago to begin her career. Shari quickly began singing in her church choir at Pleasant gift M.B. Church, performing with the late Oscar Brown Jr., and her family singing group, the Nichols Singers; now known as the Nichols Sisters of Chicago; and
WHEREAS, in May of 1980, Shari began her career with Chicago Public Schools as a substitute teacher. Shari eventually received reassignment to her alma mater, Dunbar Vocational High School in 1988; and
WHEREAS, at Dunbar, Shari founded the Mighty Voices of the Dunbar Spirit Choir, Dunbar Show Choir, and Vocal Music Industry Career program which eventually groomed current superstar singer Jennifer Hudson; and
WHEREAS, Shari and her choir put on many productions over the years, including the Annual Spring Motown Revue. Shari traveled across the nation and abroad with her choirs with her performers featured on television, various stages, and prestigious events; and
WHEREAS, in 2000, Shari, Antonio Jones, and the Vocal Music Industry Students produced a CD titled, “It’s a Dunbar Thang”; and
WHEREAS, in 2020, Shari officially retired as a teacher at Dunbar Vocational High School where she served for thirty-two (32) years; and
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BILL LOWRY, COOK COUNTY COMMISSIONER of the 3rd DISTRICT, do hereby stand, and salute the phenomenal life and career of Shari Nichols-Sweat; and that the Cook County Board of Commissioners does hereby do what you are suggesting or endorsing with this resolution; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, a suitable copy of this Resolution will be presented to Shari Nichols-Sweat and her family; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, a copy of this Resolution will be filed within the Office of Cook County Commissioner Bill Lowry 3rd District
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