Record #: R2014-560   
Type: Resolution Status: Adopted
Intro date: 7/30/2014 Current Controlling Legislative Body:
Final action: 7/30/2014
Title: Congratulations extended to Lincoln School alumni on 20th Biennial Lincolnite Reunion and recognition extended to Chicago Chapter of Lincolnite Club
Sponsors: Harris, Michelle A.
Attachments: 1. R2014-560.pdf
RESOLUTION
 
 
 
WHEREAS, The Lincoln Normal School, also known as the Lincoln School was a historic African American school in Marion, Alabama. The school's roots go back to a Union soldier who stayed in Marion after the end of the Civil War to teach newly freed Afiican Americans; and
 
WHEREAS, His efforts proved successful and in 1867 the school was incorporated with the support of African Americans from the surrounding Perry County. In 1868 the school trustees sought assistance from the American Missionary Association to help with the daily operation. The AMA supplied financial support and teachers; and
 
WHEREAS, In 1870 the school expanded and its program primarily focused on training African American high school graduates to become teachers. In 1887 fire destroyed many of the campus buildings , as a result the teacher training function was relocated to Montgomery, Alabama where it became Alabama State University. Lincoln School was voted the top school for freed slaves in the south in 1885; and
 
WHEREAS, Lincoln School's most notable principal was Miss Mary Elizabeth Phillips. During her tenure from 1896 to 1927 the campus and student body expanded. Miss Phillips passed away in 1927 and in 1939 the Phillips Memorial Auditorium was constructed in her honor; and
 
WHEREAS, Lincoln School closed in 1970, but not before it became well known for graduating a high proportion of students that went on to attain advanced degrees. Notable alumni of the Lincoln Normal School include Coretta Scott King, civil rights activist and wife of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Jean Childs, wife of civil rights activist Andrew Young; and
 
WHEREAS, The Honorable Michelle A. Harris, Alderman of the 8th Ward and Chairman of the Committee on Committees, Rules and Ethics has apprised this august body of the 20th Biennial Lincolnite Reunion; now, therefore,
 
Be It Resolved, That we the Mayor and members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, gathered here this 30th day of July, 2014 A.D., do hereby extend our congratulations to the Lincoln School alumni on its 20th Biennial Lincolnite Reunion and do hereby recognize The Chicago Chapter of the Lincolnite Club's wisdom that reunions are an integral building block in shaping our lives and filling them with dedication, and to help keep the school's legacy alive.
 
 
Be It Further Resolved, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared for presentation.
Alderman - 8m Ward
 
 
 
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