A City Council Resolution Honoring the Life of Zaria LeShai Griffith
WHEREAS, Almighty God in His infinite wisdom and judgment has called Zaria LeShai Griffith, an outstanding citizen of Chicago, to her everlasting reward and returned to the heavenly realm on November 25, 2021; and
WHEREAS, This august Chicago City Council body has been informed of her "passing by the Honorable Michelle A. Harris, Alderman of the 8th Ward and the Honorable Greg Mitchell of the 7th Ward; and
WHEREAS, Zaria was born September 22, 1998, to Anita Fay Robinson-Griffith and Cedric Ninus Griffith in Chicago, IL. Zaria made a grand entrance into the world, arriving feet first. As a small child, she was precocious, full of energy and eager to make a lasting impression on others, which she often did. Zaria accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at the age of eight. Zaria was baptized at The Way of Truth Baptist Church, where she was an active member and participated in the children's choir and interpretive.praise dance. As an adult, she remained a firm believer in Christ, by holding steadfast to her faith; and
WHEREAS, Zaria attended several elementary schools including McDowell Elementary and St. Paul Lutheran but graduated from Betty Shabazz Academy. It was here she learned cultural awareness and identity. BSA was also the foundation of her discovery and love for cheering and tumbling, thus, gaining a lifelong village of extended family and friends; and
WHEREAS, In 2017, Zaria graduated from South Shore International College Preparatory High School, where she was an honor student who excelled at ROTC, tumbling, gymnastics and cheerleading. As a natural born leader, Zaria served as Captain ofthe cheer squad and led her peers on the mat and in the classroom. During her high school career, her interest in the health profession led her to participate in the medical program where she obtained her phlebotomy license upon graduation; and
WHEREAS, Zaria began her collegiate career as a Marauder at Central State University, and continued her love for cheerleading as a member of the university cheer team where she bonded with her Cheer-Phi members. In 2018, Zaria transferred to her first-choice school Grambling State University in Grambling, Louisiana. She was a proud Tiger participating as a Grambassador and Senior Associate Justice in Student Government Association. Zaria excelled academically making the Dean's List every semester and was expected to graduate in May 2022, with her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. Upon graduation, Zaria planned to pursue a Master of Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies at Tennessee State University. She was an ambitious worker with an entrepreneurial spirit. She was constantly sharpening her skills through working a plethora of jobs, including internships with Trinity Hospital and the IL Secretary of State. She took pride in her ability to provide for herself, often boasting about her financial savviness; and
WHEREAS, Zaria was always the "Life of the Party" with an infectious smile, recognizable laugh, and selfless spirit. She was a connector in a strong chain of friends and family, you could
always count on her to do numerous check-ins on all her loved ones and was very involved with organizing countless events and gatherings. Zaria was passionate about creating time for and with the younger children amongst her family and friends. Zaria was very adventurous and loved to travel, encouraging others to get their passports, and was always ready to plan the next trip abroad; and
WHEREAS, she touched many hearts and lives with her presence and love. She was preceded in death by her grandfather Isaac G. Robinson Sr., Uncle Michael Robinson and Aunt Maude Forrest. She leaves to mourn her passing and cherish her memory; her parents Anita Robinson-Griffith and Cedric Griffith; Grandparents: Cillice Robinson, Leon Griffith Sr. and Elaine Griffith, her siblings Aaliyah Griffith, Mya Griffith, and Ashley Tillman; Aunts and Uncles: Yolanda "Tweet" Godwin, Michelle Harris, Issac Robinson Jr., Esther Kay Forest-Hines (Maurice Hines), Vincent Cooper, Leon Griffith Jr (Melaine Griffith), Glendon Griffith II (Anita Slater-Griffith) and Robin Burrage; Godparents: Sandra Hawkins, Joan Dansby, Brian and Katrice Thompson, Joe Thomas, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, Godsiblings and friends whom she loved deeply; and
THEREFORE, Be It Resolved, That we, the Mayor and members ofthe City Council ofthe City of Chicago, do hereby express our deep sorrow on the passing of Zaria LeShai Griffith and extend to her family our sincere condolences; and
Be It Further Resolved, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to the family of Zaria LeShai Griffith.