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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE SOUL CHILDREN OF CHICAGO
WHEREAS, the Soul Children of Chicago’s (SCC) organization is the nation’s oldest internationally acclaimed, Grammy award winning youth gospel choir, and is a 501(c)3 professional youth organization whose mission is to Educate, Elevate, and Illuminate “EEI” our youth ages 7 through 17; and
WHEREAS, in 1981, the establishment of the organization began under the leadership of Dr. Walter Whitman Jr. with a vision to help develop our youth and their gifts, catapulting them into becoming the next generation of global leaders by assisting in the areas of Family, Religion - (Spirituality), Business - (Economy, Finance), Politics - (Government), Education, Media - (Communication), Arts - (Entertainment, Celebration, Sports) where they not only advance in life and people skills, but improve in their everyday skills; and
WHEREAS, using creative arts as a catalyst, SCC strives to provide an incentive for inner city youth to remain free of gangs, drugs and teen pregnancies while maintaining academic excellence; and
WHEREAS, the Soul Children of Chicago prides themselves in their “Outreach Efforts” by giving back to the community with businesses and companies such as The Olive Branch, Bright Star Community Development, Father Michael Pfleger & Saint Sabina’s War on Gang Violence, and Truth Hope & Justice foundation; and
WHEREAS, founder and CEO, Dr. Walter W. Whitman, Jr, has been in the forefront of youth choirs for the past 40 years taking the Soul Children and its brand across the world; and
WHEREAS, SCC have also built wells in Monrovia, Liberia, which established global networks with Soul Children choirs around the world in countries such as Oslo Norway, Sweden, Indonesia, Germany, England, and South Africa; and
WHEREAS, the over 40-year history of the Soul Children of Chicago is filled with the names of successful participants, and the efforts of SCC has spawned graduates, artists, pastors, community leaders, professionals, doctors and lawyers, entrepreneurs, successful businessmen and women to name a few; and
WHEREAS, from 1981 until present times, Soul Children of Chicago has helped communities and numerous youths contribute more than 16 billion volunteer hours with their nonprofit organization, and today the nonprofit sector affects nearly every citizen in one way or another, from concerts and fundraisers, trips to show different demographics to our youth, partnering with the Olive Branch Mission and other groups that enrich young people and service our community, toy drives, to social services agencies that provide food, clothing, housing and training for those less fortunate; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Walter Whitman and The Soul Children of Chicago are dedicated to encouraging our youth and providing hope and inspiration in a world filled with challenges and despair; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of the importance of the work done by The Soul Children of Chicago / One Soul in the lives of our citizens, the members of the Cook County Board of Commissioners are pleased to honor The Soul Children of Chicago and Dr. Walter Whitman Jr.;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the President and Members of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, on behalf of the residents of Cook County, honor The Soul Children of Chicago, and thank them for over 40 years of service in the public interest; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT, July 27th, 2022, be hereby declared Soul Children of Chicago Day in the County of Cook; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT, this text be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body and a suitable copy be presented to Dr. Walter Whitman Jr. as a symbol of our respect and esteem.
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