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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING MR. REUBEN LEE NORRIS 85TH BIRTHDAY
WHEREAS, On February 17, 2020, Mr. Reuben Lee Norris of Chicago, Illinois celebrated his 85th birthday surrounded by family and friends; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Norris received an Athletic Scholarship to play football at Knoxville College in, Knoxville Tennessee where he became a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and received his degree; and
WHEREAS, after graduation Ruben Norris was drafted into the military and upon completion received an honorable discharged and later migrated in Chicago, IL in 1960 ; and
WHEARAS, For more than 30 years Mr. Reben Lee Norris was employed with the Chicago Park District and served in various capacities including: Weekend Rec Leader, physical instructor, Playground Supervisor, Park Supervisor of Douglas and Avalon Park, Physical Activity Supervisor of areas 1 and 2 , Area Supervisor of 36 parks and then Host Park Manager until his retirement in 1992. After retiring from the park district, Ruben Norris began a full-time position with the Chicago Public School System at King High School for than 20 years until his retirement for CPS in 2016;and
WHEREAS, Ruben Norris is a kind gentle man whose faith is deeply rooted in the Lord. He is a faithful member of 25 years of St.Thomas Episcopal Church where he serves as a Deputy Warden ; and
WHEREAS, Ruben Norris served as a basketball official for 43 years traveling the country. He is known throughout the State of Illinois but especially in Chicago as the God Father of basketball officials. He has officiated former President Barack Obama in a private game in Chicago as well as Michael Jordan. In addition, from 1972-1992 he coached/and managed” The Chicago Boston Shoot Out Team” which provided visibility to many NBA Players and coaches such as Doc Rivers, Mark Aguirre, Juan Howard and Hersey Hawkins just to name a few. He has also served as an NBA observer and scout of officials for 20 years; and
WHEREAS, Ruben Norris is the First African American to enter the All American Soap Box Derby in 1940; First Women’s Professional Basketball League Championship official in 1981 in Chicago, IL; First African American from CPS League to officiate in the IHSA Tournament in 1987; First African American to officiate the State Finals game in 1988; and
WHEREAS, Ruben Norris has received numerous awards and recognition’s but not limited to the following: 1994- Black Role Model Habilitative System Inc; 1994 Chicago Basketball Coaches Association (Official); 1999- Illinois Basketball Coaches Association) Official 2014 Illinois High School Association 40-year Recipient Awardee.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that President Preckwinkle along with the Cook County Board of Commissioners and on behalf of the 5.2 million residents of Cook County takes great pleasure in honoring and celebrating Mr. Rueben Lee Norris on the occasion of his 85th Birthday and wishes him continued health and happiness for years to come.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution is shared upon the official proceedings of this honorable body and that an official copy of the same is tendered to Mr. Reuben Lee Norris in honor of this auspicious occasion
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