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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RECOGNIZING MILTON JOHNSON AS A COMMUNITY LEADER, MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL, VETERAN, AND ENTREPRENEUR.
WHEREAS, Milton Johnson is a graduate of Midwest School of Broadcasting receiving his degree in Broadcast Journalism; and
WHEREAS, after graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he became a Police Officer. While stationed at Whitman Air Force base his interest in mental health began to grow; and
WHEREAS, He later became a Police Officer for the Veterans Administration. Once again seeing the mental health effects of war on those returning from Vietnam. He eventually became an on-air personality and Executive Producer for WVON talk radio, and this is where his community concerns which included mental health, and how the disparities connected to the mental health of the communities were discussed. He had the opportunity to talk with some of the community's greatest minds daily, including Dr. Bobby E. Wright and Dr. Carl Bell who were very much involved with bringing attention to the poor mental health of the African American communities; and
WHEREAS, growing up in the community and witnessing the commitment and cultural approach and competence of Bobby E. Wright CBHC (BEW) to the African American Community. He applied for a case management position, becoming a mental health professional. He was promoted under the new administration to Assistant to the President and CEO for Community Relations and Later Director of Community Relations.
WHEREAS, in this time he has worked closely with the CEO/President of BEW to assist with being a part of the development of the Westside Community Triage and Wellness Center located 4133 W. Madison St. Chicago, IL 60624 opened 24 hours a day which has been an innovative and integral part of the community providing screening/assessments, crisis intervention, intensive case management services, psychotropic medications, referrals, Mobile Crisis and Crisis Line. He also was a part of helping expand the BEW agency locations with two of their new locations. That reaches more clients around the community; and
WHEREAS, He is an entrepreneur in the North Lawndale Community having been a partner in the creation with Willie J. Barney of Barney Records and including New Life Health food store at Roosevelt and Kedzie, which is still operating; and
WHEREAS, Milton Johnson has served as Executive Director of Greater Westside Development Corporation and the legendary O'Quinn Royal Gladiators Drum and Bugle Corp, served on the Board of Directors for Homan Square Park District Community Center and is the recipient of numerous community awards, nominations, and recognition.
WHEREAS, Milton Johnson has dedicated his life as an advocate for mental health in the areas of education and substance abuse.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the President and the members of the Board of Commissioners of Cook County does hereby recognized Milton Johnson for being a Community Leader. Mental Health Professional, Veteran and Entrepreneur in the County of Cook and wish him much success in his future endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, a suitable copy of this text is spread upon the official proceedings of this honorable body and a suitable copy be presented to Mr. Milton Johnson for this auspicious occasion.
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