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RESOLUTION HONORING SHERMANN "DILLA" THOMAS
WHEREAS, Shermann Thomas, affectionately known as "Dilla," is an Emmy Award-winning modern historian, cultural worker, brand ambassador, influencer, activist, and proud lifelong resident of Chicago's South Side; and
WHEREAS, through the power of storytelling and innovative use of social media, Dilla has created publicly accessible, perspective-shifting history lessons focused on the city of Chicago, garnering more than 40 million views and building a following of over 300,000 across platforms; and
WHEREAS, Dilla's engaging digital presence has earned him recognition as Best Chicago Twitter Page, Best Chicago Instagram Page, and Best Chicago TikTok Page by Chicago Reader; and
WHEREAS, his impactful storytelling has led to national media appearances on programs including Today and The Kelly Clarkson Show, further amplifying Chicago's cultural contributions to audiences across the country; and
WHEREAS, Dilla was named the 2022 Chicago Tourism Ambassador of the Year by Choose Chicago in recognition of his dedication to uplifting and promoting the city; and
WHEREAS, his work has been enshrined in the Congressional Record of the United States House of Representatives, affirming his national impact and service; and
WHEREAS, Dilla has received honors from respected institutions including the American Planning Association, City Club of Chicago, and the Chicago Public Library Foundation, including the prestigious 21st Century Award, and has been recognized as a Studs Terkel Uplifting Voices recipient; and
WHEREAS, he has presented lectures and history lessons to institutions of higher learning around the globe, addressed Fortune 500 companies, and partnered with professional sports teams throughout Chicago and Cook County to celebrate and elevate the region's legacy; and
WHEREAS, Dilla lives by the motto that "everything dope about America comes from Chicago," and works tirelessly to reshape the narrative about Chic...
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