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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
CELEBRATING THE HONORABLE KIMBERLY A. LIGHTFORD AS THE FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN FEMALE ILLINOIS STATE SENATE MAJORITY LEADER
WHEREAS, Senator Kimberly A. Lightford was born in Chicago, Illinois on May 10, 1968; and
WHEREAS, Senator Kimberly A. Lightford was raised in Maywood, Illinois and graduated with a bachelor's degree in Public Communications from Western Illinois University and a master's degree in Public Administration from the University of Illinois Springfield; and
WHEREAS, prior to being elected to public office, Senator Kimberly A. Lightford gained extensive management experience working as a Trustee for the Village of Maywood and for State of Illinois departments such as the Illinois Department of Central Management Services, the Illinois Department of Corrections and the Illinois Secretary of State's office; and
WHEREAS, in 1998, Senator Kimberly A. Lightford became the youngest African American female elected to the Illinois State Senate representing the 4th District. Senator Lightford has become a vocal champion for promoting quality education, advocating for quality healthcare, and providing support for working families; and
WHEREAS, Senator Kimberly A. Lightford became Assistant Majority Leader in 2009 and enhanced her role as an advocate for education reform. Senator Lightford has served on the Senate Education Committee as either a sitting member, Vice Chair or Chairman. Her expertise positioned her as a lead negotiator on the legislation that established stronger methods of evaluating teachers and tracking student progress; and
WHEREAS, on January 9, 2019, Senator Kimberly A. Lightford was appointed as the Illinois State Senate Majority Leader, making her the first African American female to hold the position and among the highest-ranking elected officials in state government; and
WHEREAS, Senator Kimberly A. Lightford currently serves as Chair of the Assignments Committee and a member on Committees such as the C...
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