RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Ronald "Kwesi" Harris has been called to eternal life by the wisdom of God at the age of 56; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of his passing by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and
WHEREAS, A community leader, mentor and educator, Ronald "Kwesi" Harris was the loving husband of Donna, nee Edgeworth; and
WHEREAS, Ronald "Kwesi" Harris was the much-adored father of Ravaughn, Cameron, Kyle and Noranice and the grandfather of four to whom he imparted many of the fine and noble qualities that he possessed in abundance; and
WHEREAS, A native of Chicago, Ronald "Kwesi" Harris graduated from Simeon High School and earned a bachelor's degree in education and social work from Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio; and
WHEREAS, Ronald "Kwesi" Harris was the longtime Director of the African American Male Resource Center at Chicago State University where he worked tirelessly to improve academic and vocational possibilities for men of color; and
WHEREAS, Ronald "Kwesi" Harris previously spent 20 years at the Bonny E. Wright Comprehensive Behavioral Health Center on the West Side of Chicago; and
WHEREAS, Ronald "Kwesi" Harris co-founded the Citywide Coalition Against Tobacco 85 Alcohol Billboards in the early 1990s to oppose advertisers who promote the sale of such products in minority neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, The hard work, sacrifice and dedication of Ronald "Kwesi" Harris serve as an example to all; and
WHEREAS, His love of life and ability to live it to the fullest endeared Ronald "Kwesi" Harris to his family members, friends and all who knew him, and enabled him to enrich their lives in ways they will never forget; and
WHEREAS, Ronald "Kwesi" Harris will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by his many relatives, friends and admirers; and
WHEREAS, To his beloved family, Ronald "Kwesi" Harris imparts a legacy of faithfulness, service and dignity; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the members of the Chicago City Council, assembled this twentieth day of July, 2016, do hereby commemorate Ronald "Kwesi" Harris for his grace-filled life and do hereby express our condolences to his family; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Ronald "Kwesi" Harris.
Alderman - 14th Ward