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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING FATHER MICHAEL PFLEGER FOR CLERGY APPRECIATION MONTH
WHEREAS, On May 14, 1975, the Archdiocese of Chicago ordained Father Michael Pfleger. In 1981, at the age of 31, he became the youngest full pastor in the diocese when he the Archdiocese of Chicago appointed Father Michael Pfleger the Pastor of Saint Sabina Church; and
WHEREAS, Father Michael Pfleger lived and ministered in the African American community on both the west and south sides of Chicago.
WHEREAS, Father Michael Pfleger spent two Summers working in a Native American community in Oklahoma and completed his seminary internship as a Chaplin at Cook County Jail and at Precious Blood Catholic Church in Chicago; and
WHEREAS, Time, Ebony, Newsweek and Jet magazines; The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, U.S.A. Today, The Chicago Tribune, The Chicago Sun-Times, The Chicago Reader and numerous other newspapers and journals recognized the many works of Father Michael Pfleger. Additionally, television programs such as "Day One" ABC; "60 Minutes" (CBS); BBC in Great Britain, the Larry King Show and Nightline profiled his fight against alcohol and tobacco billboards, drugs, racism, rampant gun violence and other injustices which plague the people in his community; and
WHEREAS, Father Michael Pfleger in the course of his faith in action ministry, received recognition for his commitment to equality and passionate stance against injustice. Several of the awards and honors he received are: "Keeper of the Dream", Rainbow/Push; Distinguished Service Award, Nation of Islam; "Thurgood Marshall Award", National Black Prosecutors Association; "Monsignor Egan Social Justice Award", DePaul University, "I Am A Man Award" from the April 4th Foundation in Memphis, TN, "Rosa Parks Award" from the SCLC and the "Unsung Hero Award" from the Wade's World Foundation; and
WHEREAS, Father Michael Pfleger remains involved in many issues, such as, campaigns against insufficient living conditions, substandard education for children, parity in scholastic competition and negative music glorifying violence and degrading women, the violence and disrespect of women on popular television shows, the easy access to guns, and the violence snatching the lives of children across the country; and
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BILL LOWRY, COOK COUNTY COMMISSIONER of the 3rd DISTRICT, do hereby stand, and salute the phenomenal, efficacious, and life changing ministry of Father Michael Pfleger; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, a suitable copy of this Resolution will be presented to our beloved friend Father Michael Pfleger and Faith Community of St. Sabina; and
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