WHEREAS, We, the members of the Chicago City Council, wish to congratulate L. LaMont Bryant for his induction into the Chicago Tennis Patrons Hall of Fame; and
WHEREAS, L. LaMont Bryant was born in Muskegon, Michigan and was raised in Rockford, Illinois. Coach Bryant received a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Falls College and received a Master of Science in Urban Education from Governors State University. Coach Bryant taught physical education in Chicago schools from 1964 to 1994; and
WHEREAS, Coach Bryant, a self-taught tennis player who earned certification in the Professional Tennis Registry, would in 1992 go on to found Love to Serve, Inc., a nonprofit which provides Chicago students with athletic and academic instruction; and
WHEREAS, Love to Serve has reached as many as 20,000 students since its creation and has expanded the scope of its services by partnering with Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Parks District. Students have gone on to gain tennis scholarships at competitive universities and many college students return to the program to provide tennis instruction and mentorship; and
WHEREAS, Coach Bryant recognizes the importance of empowering Chicago youth to attend college. Love to Serve exposes students to college readiness services and tutoring so students can strive for college acceptance and thrive once on campus; and
WHEREAS, Love to Serves Developmental Tennis Program fosters an athletic community among Chicago youth, encouraging students to maintain good attendance records and develop sportsmanship skills; and
WHEREAS, Recipient of the 2001 USTA Eve Kraft Community Service Award and Tennis Industry's Junior Development Champion of the Year in 2002, L. LaMont Bryant has been recognized as "one of the most successful innovators of junior development programs in the United States" for his monumental contributions to Chicago's underserved youth; and
WHEREAS, On behalf of the entire 4th Ward, Alderman Sophia King would like to extend L. LaMont Bryant this additional honor for his longtime commitment to the youth of our community; and
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, assembled this thirteenth day of March, 2019, do hereby extend our heartfelt best wishes to L. LaMont Bryant; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution are presented to the Bryant famr/ as a sign of our honor, gratitude, and respect.