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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE MEMORY OF CLYDE BLACK
WHEREAS, Almighty God, in His infinite wisdom, has called upon a hard working entrepreneur who was also a man of integrity, veteran shoe shine man, Clyde Black, from our midst; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Black worked on the ground floor of the County building shining shoes; he would always say: "A proper shoe shine should take 10 minutes, tops. Conversation costs. You pay for conversation"; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Black got his start shining shoes in 1978. He treated every set of shoes with the same quality and attention, whether they belonged to the Cook County Board President or to a custodian; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Black enjoyed talking with former Mayor Richard M. Daley about the White Sox while he shined his shoes as well as former Cook County Board President, John H. Stroger, Jr., whom he counted among his good friends and whom he praised for always extending help to others in need; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Black would say, "I don't call myself successful, but I do OK. Most people say I am the best in the business"; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Black looked up to his brother, Marion Black, who had been his guardian; when Mr. Black was tempted by personal vices, his brother would remind him that he had a good head on his shoulders if he could just straighten up and fly right; since his brother's death, Mr. Black was committed to flying right; and
WHEREAS, people who knew Mr. Black said that his word was his bond, and that he was a people person, a free spirit and a man of God; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Black attended church regularly where he enjoyed singing spiritual songs; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Black was devoted to his sons and worked hard to ensure that they were able to fulfill all their desires in life; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Black's abundant, loyal customers were a testament to his diligent work ethic and his professionalism; and
WHEREAS, in losing Mr. Black we have lost a true American entrepreneur who was a shining example of the adage, "Whatever you do, do it well"; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Black made an honest living while touching the hearts of many.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Clyde Black's memory shall be cherished in all of the hearts of the people he touched and loved.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners, on behalf of the residents of Cook County, does hereby express its deepest condolences and most heartfelt sympathy to the family as well as to the many friends and loved ones of Clyde Black, and may a suitable copy of this resolution be tendered to his family herewith.
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