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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE OUTSTANDING SERVICE OF GEORGE MITCHELL, OUTGOING PRESIDENT OF THE NAACP EVANSTON/NORTH SHORE BRANCH
WHEREAS, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is the oldest and largest" United States grassroots based civil rights organization; founded February 12, 1909, by a diverse multi-racial group of activists of varying political and religious backgrounds, including Ida Wells-Barnett, W.E.B. DuBois, Henry Moscowitz, Mary White Ovington, Oswald Garrison Villiard and William English Walling. They were all committed to the cause of equality; and
WHEREAS, the local branch, Evanston/North Shore NAACP, was formed in 1915 and is a vital and proud organization that is both well respected and admired for their work pursuing the mission and objectives of the NAACP. For over a century, Evanston/North Shore NAACP has been a major force for good in the community; achieving political, educational, social and economic equality and working to eliminate race prejudice. They continue to be a voice for change and have a long list of victories breaking down barriers and creating meaningful change fighting for equity in education, social justice, and fair housing; and
WHEREAS, on Sunday January 22, 2017 the members of the Evanston/North Shore branch of the NAACP celebrated outgoing President George Mitchell. Community leaders joined chapter members in congratulating him for a job well done at an event held at the Unitarian Church of Evanston; and
WHEREAS, throughout his many years of service, George Mitchell has represented the best qualities of citizenship and humanity through his tireless work breaking down barriers. He is widely acknowledged for his work on local redistricting and his work forging relationships with law enforcement. The NAACP honored him as Region Three State Conference President of the Year and he was selected Evanston Branch “Man of the Year.” He was also honored by the North Shore Board of Realtors who presented him with their “Humanitarian Award”; and
WHEREAS, under George Mitchell’s careful guidance the Evanston/North Branch flourished. The political action committee worked tirelessly to insure voting strength; he encouraged all members of the executive committee to become deputy registrars. He was a tireless promoter of voter registration and he created the school board candidate forum which was featured on local television. While he was president, the Housing Committee of the Evanston/North Branch NAACP sponsored high impact community seminars which focused on discrimination, predatory lending and affordable housing. He will long be remembered for forming the legal redress committee which investigates discrimination. He is widely respected and oftentimes, he was able to remedy a case of housing discrimination through the quiet strength and power of his gravitas; a letter to the landlord was all that it took; and
WHEREAS, George Mitchel is a Life Member of the NAACP and was Illinois State Conference President from 2011 to 2015 and is a candidate for the National Board; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Commissioners of Cook County, on behalf of the 5.2 million residents of Cook County takes great pleasure in honoring and celebrating George Mitchell for his outstanding work as President of the NAACP in Evanston; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body and that an official copy of the same be tendered to the George Mitchell.
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