CONGRATULATIONS EXTENDED TO MR. & MRS. KHAMOLAW BEARD, JR. ON THEIR FIFTIETH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
WHEREAS, It is with great pleasure that the City Council ofthe City of Chicago is hereby informed of the observance of Khamolaw and Dorothy Beard, Jr.'s Golden Wedding Anniversary; and
WHEREAS, Khamolaw "Kham" Beard, Jr. came to Chicago from Marvell, Arkansas in 1959, at the age of 14 and met Dorothy Parker at her Aunt Arlecta's Millinery Shop on 43rd and King Drive. As high school sweethearts, they both attended DuSable High School and went to the prom together in June of 1962. After graduation Kham enlisted in the United States Armed Forces and began to serve his country proudly. On December 8, 1962, after his basic training, Kham and the former Dorothy Parker became husband and wife: and
WHEREAS, Their fifty years of married life has produced a loving and close family consisting of four children, whom they call "Set One" and "Set Two". "Set One", Arlecta and Khamolaw III, with a fifteen year spread between "Set Two", Karyn and Khamiya. They have a total of three grandchildren, Timothy, De'Azia and Kennedy, with the oldest and youngest having the same fifteen year age spread; and
WHEREAS, Throughout their children's youth Kham and Dorothy worked hard to provide them with a loving and supportive environment. Kham became the Co-Founder and President of "Kham and Nate's Shoes", the first "Black Owned" shoe store in the Chicago Loop. For over 20 years, "Kham and Nate's" brought the "Magnificent Mile Experience" to the South Side of Chicago, owning what was called "The Family Complex" of stores in the 8th Ward. The stores sold the finest of shoes, clothing and services for men, women and children. The stores located at the Palmer House Hotel, Illinois Center One, Evergreen Park and South Side provided employment for as many as fifty employees at a time; and
WHEREAS, Dorothy worked for over 10 years at the Beverly Morgan Park Mental Health Center providing family and teen counseling. She later worked as a substitute teacher for Chicago Public Schools and was also involved with the "Work First" and "Opportunities" programs designed to transition people from government assistance to full time employment and self-efficiency. Kham and Dorothy worked for the Chicago City Colleges, doing motivational speaking, teaching entrepreneur courses, and job training; and
WHEREAS, The institution of marriage is one ofthe cornerstones upon which our society is built and the observance of Khamolaw and Dorothy Beard's 50 years of Christian love and unity is indeed a cause for great rejoicing; and
4 WHEREAS, Their life together represents the stability of marriage and their
devotion to one another embodies the sanctity of their vows and is a union to be greatly admired; and
WHEREAS, The Honorable Michelle A. Harris, Alderman of the 8m Ward, has informed this august body ofthis auspicious occasion; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved, That we, the Mayor and members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, gathered here this 17th day of January, 2013, do hereby extend our heartiest congratulations to Khamolaw and Dorothy Beard, Jr. upon the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage and join with their many friends and family members in whishing them many, many more years of happiness together.
Be It Further Resolved, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to Mr. & Mrs. Khamolaw Beard, Jr.
MICHELLE A. HARRIS Alderman - 8th Ward