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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
Honoring President EMERITUS Bobbie L. Steele 80th BirthdaY
WHEREAS, President (Emeritus) Bobbie L. Steele was born in Cleveland, Mississippi on October 18, 1937. She completed her formal education in 1954 following her attendance to the illustrious Alabama A& M University in Huntsville, Alabama for two years; and
WHEREAS, Bobbie L. Rodgers migrated to Chicago, IL in 1954 where she soon met the love of her life, Robert Pearl Steele, and was fortunate to have six children (Valerie, Joyce, {Robert}, Byron, Donna, and Elisha), bless this great union; and
WHEREAS, While providing for her family, Bobbie L. Steele attended night school in addition to working full time, eventually earning her degree in Elementary Education from Chicago’s Teacher’s College. Bobbie continued her educational pursuit, ultimately earning a Master’s Degree in Supervision and Administration from Roosevelt University; and
WHEREAS, for twenty years Bobbie L. Steele was an educator for the Chicago Public School System teaching and inspiring thousands of children who became successful and productive citizens; and
WHEREAS, in 1986, at the beckoning of Mayor Harold Washington, Bobbie L. Steele decided it was time for a career change and ran successfully for a seat on the Cook County Board of Commissioners; and
WHEREAS, during her tenure of 20 years on the board she championed major issues to including but not limited to, an amendment to the Cook County Purchasing Ordinance, which established a goal of 25% participation for minorities and 10% for women on all County Purchases, Co -Sponsorship of the Cook County’s Human Rights and Ethics Ordinances, Re-naming the Cook County Hospital after than board President John H. Stroger Jr, and the establishment of an on-site daycare center for county employees. Along with these innovative accomplishments, she introduced the Cook County Re-Entry Employment Ordinance which seeks to reinforce the fact that formerly incarcerated individuals can succeed when employed. The Ordinance was designed to provide jobs for adults who are first time non-violent offenders throughout Cook County; and
WHEREAS, on August 1, 2006, Bobbie L. Steele was elected unanimously by her peers the first female President of the Cook County Board of Commissioners; and
WHEREAS, Bobbie L. Steele served in various capacities including but not limited to: President of National Association of Black County Officials (NABCo), Chairperson of the National Association of County Officials Deferred Compensation Advisory Committee, Life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, member of the National Council of Negro Women, League of Women Voters, Lake Shore Links, Founding Board member of Illinois Women Institute for Leadership in Government and an active member of the United Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Wilson Daniels; and
WHEREAS, President (Emeritus) Bobbie L. Steele is known for her vision of teaching and educating the next generation of community leaders by providing them with a foundation and environment to learn and grow.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that on behalf of Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, and the Cook County Board of Commissioners and on behalf of the over 5.2 million residents of Cook County, do hereby recognize President (Emeritus) Bobbie L. Steele for her 80th birthday, as well as for the commendable work that she has contributed to the citizens of Cook County, and lastly her importance to history as a trailblazer.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we wish President (Emeritus) Bobbie L. Steele every continued success in her future endeavors wish her continued health, happiness for years to come.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this resolution is shared upon the official body and that an official copy of the same is tendered to President Emeritus Bobbie L. Steele in honor of this auspicious occasion.
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