A City Council Resolution Honoring the Immense Talent and Philanthropy
Of Chicago Songstress Terisa Griffin
WHEREAS, On behalf of the citizens of the 8th Wand of the City of Chicago, it is with pleasure that the Honorable Michelle A. Harris, Alderman of the 8th Ward dedicates this resolution in honor of the phenomenal multi-artistic talent, tireless work, community commitment and extensive professional accomplishments of noted singer and entertainer Ms. Terisa Griffin; and
WHEREAS, Terisa Griffin's sophisticated R&B sound evokes the gospel-infused and soul-rooted traditions of such well-known songstresses as Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, and Roberta Flack among others. This highly acclaimed Chicago-based singer, producer, actress and songwriter whose diverse talent and effortlessly cool mid-tempo jazzy soul grooves have made her both a local favorite and a national treasure; and
WHEREAS, Terisa Griffin, a Monroe, Louisiana Native who moved to Chicago to pursue her big city entertainment industry dreams, is the descendant of Rev. Griffin, a Baptist Minister and one of four daughters with a powerful proclivity for singing, like their father and grandmother; and
WHEREAS, The multi-talented Terisa Griffin attended college on a vocal scholarship, where she became fascinated first with chamber music and jazz, and later discovered the music which defines her professional singing career - - the sizzling sounds of R&B, rock n' roll and soul/blues. Arriving in Chicago, Terisa was mentored by famed, Chicago's Own legendary Jerry "Ice Man" Butler. Terisa also received national exposure singing backup for Diana Ross on an "Oprah" telecast, and as a featured contestant on season 3 of NBC's mega-hit television show 'The Voice'; and
WHEREAS, Terisa Griffin has toured and performed in venues around the world. Griffin has opened up concerts for the biggest names in music including: Will Downing, Crisette Michelle, The O'Jays, Roberta Flack, Patti LaBelle, Rahsaan Patterson and Musiq SoulChild-just to name a few. Further, Terisa Griffin has produced such excellent, one-woman stage productions such as "One Woman, One Voice", honoring Josephine Baker, Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughn, Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight and Tina Turner, among other legendary singers. In short - - Terisa Griffin is one ofthe most sought after vocalists, songwriters and performers in the entertainment business today; and
WHEREAS, And Terisa in addition to her artistic endeavors, has been inspired her to give back to the lives of those she met and touched along the way. In 2007, Ms. Griffin established the non-profit BETTER LOVE YOURSELF, Inc., to develop the road map for young adults to master the art of loving and caring for themselves; and
WHEREAS, Terisa Griffins' nonprofit organization's visionary dream is dedicated to providing 'send-off trunks for every inspired prospective college student. She supports UNCF's motto, "a mind is a terrible thing to waste" and blends her philanthropic efforts towards establishing the 'pearls' of youthful dreams. In 2018 Griffin will celebrate 12 years of giving out trunks, helping over 2500 students preparing for college. Terisa dreams big and executes her vision of community service to the stars and back; and
WHEREAS, The Honorable Michelle A. Harris, Alderman ofthe 8th Ward and Chairman of the Committee on Committees, Rules and Ethics, has encouraged the Chicago City Council to salute Terisa Griffin and her exemplary achievements and accomplishments; now, therefore,
THEREFORE Be It Resolved, That we, the Mayor and members of the City of Chicago City Council, gathered here this Twenty-Seventh Day of June 2018 A.D., do hereby salute Terisa Griffin for
sharing her gifts of song, as well as for the uplifting inspiration, higher education support and confidence that she has instilled in the lives of thousands of prospective college students, and extend to this outstanding citizen our very best wishes for continuing professional success and socially-conscious civic fulfillment; and
Be It Further Resolved, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to Terisa Griffin as a token of our pride, gratitude and esteem.
Michelle A. Harris, Alderman - 8th Ward
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