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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE LIFE OF DORI WILSON
WHEREAS, Dori Wilson was born in Winona, Mississippi, she came to Chicago when she was 7, and went on to graduate from Hyde Park High School and attend Roosevelt University; and
WHEREAS, Dori Wilson lived on Chicago's Northshore and was a Cook County resident who selflessly made extraordinary contributions to improve the community; and
WHEREAS, Dori Wilson worked at various advertising firms while also maintaining a part-time modeling career, which would ultimately see her become the first Black runway model in the city, working for Marshall Field's and Carson Pirie Scott; and
WHEREAS, Dori Wilson continued her career in advertising, also working to help cast and produce various shows while still modeling and generating a coveted list of contacts. In 1981 she used those contacts to start her own firm, Dori Wilson Public Relations, solidifying her as a successful and barrier-breaking entrepreneur; and
WHEREAS, Dori Wilson promoted the Art Institute of Chicago and the Chicago Academy for the Arts. She handled publicity for famed hairstylist Vidal Sassoon. Other clients included Scottie Pippen of the Chicago Bulls, the DuSable Museum of African American History, Marshall Field's and various government agencies. Her work was instrumental in establishing the Chicago International Film Festival. And in addition, she also worked with Oprah Winfrey on the Chicago premiere of the "Color Purple" as well as the David Schwimmer-directed production of Lookingglass Theater; and
WHEREAS, Dori Wilson's connections meant she always had good stories to tell. Dori also served on the boards of the Harris Theater, the Chicago Urban League and Brookfield Zoo; and
WHEREAS, Dori Wilson was an authentic trailblazer, pioneer and entrepreneur and a true advocate for her beloved City of Chicago; and
WHEREAS, Dori Wilson passed away on February 1, 2021; and
WHEREAS, Dori Wilson is survived by her brother Williams Thom...
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