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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
2026 UNITED NEGRO COLLEGE FUND NATIONAL WALK FOR EDUCATION
WHEREAS, in 1943, Dr. Frederick D. Patterson, president of Tuskegee Institute suggested to the presidents of other private black colleges that they pool their monies and make a united appeal to the national conscience; and
WHEREAS, on April 25, 1944, the United Negro College Fund (“UNCF”) was incorporated with 27 member colleges as a not-for-profit entity established to assist its member institutions of higher education to raise funds from the public for their mutual support; and
WHEREAS, the importance of UNCF, and the historically Black colleges and universities it supports, promotes the value of higher education as well as the traditional values of family and heritage that have made this nation great; and
WHEREAS, over the past seven decades UNCF has grown to become the nation’s oldest and most successful African American higher education assistance organization in the country by having raised more than $6 billion and having helped more than 550,000 students not just attend college, but thrive, graduate, and become leaders; and
WHEREAS, each year UNCF awards more than 11,000 student scholarships and building institutional endowments worth more than $6 billion to support 37 member institutions; and
WHEREAS, each year UNCF raises funds through various campaigns, initiatives and events including an annual Walk for Education in various cities of the United States; and
WHEREAS, the annual UNCF Chicago Walk for Education is being held on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026; and
WHEREAS, Cook County has proudly supported UNCF’s efforts for more than 31 years; and
WHEREAS, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle is an honorary chair for the 2026 UNCF Chicago Walk for Education.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the President and the Cook County Board of Commissioners, do hereby recognize and express Cook County’s support for the 2026 UNCF Chicago Walk for Education and commitment to provide assistance and resources to ensure its success; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that under the leadership of the Bureau of Administration, various Cook County departments and agencies will collaborate with UNCF to plan, coordinate and otherwise support the 2026 UNCF Chicago Walk for Education; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Bureau of Administration shall be further authorized to utilize County resources, as necessary, to promote, plan and otherwise support the 2026 UNCF Chicago Walk for Education; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the President and Cook County Board of Commissioners do hereby acknowledge and commend the UNCF for its continued positive impact throughout the United States and express the County’s sincere appreciation and gratitude for selecting President Preckwinkle as the honorary chair of the 2026 UNCF Chicago Walk for Education; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to UNCF in expressing Cook County’s well wishes for a successful 2026 UNCF Walk for Education.
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