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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF ROBERT BLACKWELL SR.
WHEREAS, Cook County, Illinois, stands on the foundation of visionaries, innovators, and generous leaders whose courage has shaped industries, uplifted communities, and changed lives across the region; and
WHEREAS, Robert Blackwell Sr., born in Virginia and raised in a working-class Philadelphia family, demonstrated determination and brilliance from an early age, earning a football scholarship to Wichita State University before becoming an indelible presence in the Chicagoland area throughout his distinguished career; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Blackwell broke barriers as one of the first Black salespeople hired by International Business Machines (IBM), rising from systems engineer to Director of IBM's Greater Chicago Consulting Services at a time when African Americans and other minorities rarely held such leadership roles; and?
WHEREAS, throughout his 26-year tenure at IBM, and later as founder and CEO of Blackwell Consulting Services, Mr. Blackwell championed opportunity for the historically overlooked-including women and minorities-inviting them to demonstrate their talent, and actively mentoring and advancing professionals from all backgrounds; and?
WHEREAS, Mr. Blackwell's influence extended beyond careers, helping individuals of every walk reach their full potential, offering sponsorship or support to all willing to rise, with many who went on to lead major companies or found successful ventures; and?
WHEREAS, his daily actions embodied the principle that "love is a verb," reflecting generosity and wisdom that inspires the highest purpose of success: to uplift and serve others; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Blackwell advanced Chicago's-and the region's-entrepreneurial spirit and economic opportunity, as reflected in his induction into the Chicago Area Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame, his feature in The History Makers, and his leadership of Chicago's largest minority-owned consulting firm; and?
WHE...
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