Resolution Honoring LeVan Brayboy on his Retirement
WHEREAS, Pastor LeVan Brayboy, a most beloved, faithful and dutiful Shepherd on the far south side of the City, is retiring from his senior pastoral role at Mt. Zion F.H.M. Baptist Church on June 26, 2016; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed body has been notified of Pastor Brayboy's impending retirement by the Honorable Alderman Carrie Austin of the 34th Ward; and
WHEREAS, LeVan Brayboy was the eldest of 8 children born to the union of Isaac and Genever Brayboy in Moro, Arkansas. Upon his call to ministry, he received spiritual mentorship from Reverend Will H. Stockard, the organizer of Mt. Zion F.H.M. Baptist Church of Chicago; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Brayboy began to Pastor at Mt. Zion in March of 1978, and at his retirement, will have humbly served the Mt. Zion church family for 38 years; and
WHEREAS, Pastor Brayboy is well known in the church community to lead his flock in a ministry grounded in the Word of God with power, clarity and conviction; and
WHEREAS, He also delivers God's word through song. He has recorded with the Mt. Zion F.H.M. Baptist Church choir. In addition, for over 50 years he performed with the gospel quartet legends, The Traveling Kings of Chicago; and
WHEREAS, Pastor Brayboy and his church membership host a monthly community outreach to feed striving families. He also holds a Vacation Bible School for children, as well as adults, every summer to bridge timely understanding across generations. As an advocate for supporting families and community, he is an active participant in the Man-up Program and has marched for stopping the senseless violence with both former police superintendents, Weis and McCarthy, respectively; and
WHEREAS, Pastor Brayboy is married to Lady Jewell. They are the proud parents of nine children and nine grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the City of Chicago in 2012 the City honored him by naming 119th Street at Morgan Street the Honorary Reverend LeVan Brayboy Drive; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved, That we, the Mayor and members of the City Council of the City of Chicago gathered here this twenty-second day of June, 2016, do hereby express our congratulations to Pastor LeVan Brayboy and wish him a rewarding retirement; and
Carrie M. Austin Alderman, 34th Ward
Be It Further Resolved, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to the family of Pastor LeVan Brayboy.