OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
CITY OF CHICAGO
RAHM EMANUEL MAYOR
February 28, 2018
TO THE HONORABLE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I transmit herewith, together with Aldermen Harris and Sawyer, a congratulatory resolution regarding Jahmal Cole.
Your favorable consideration of this resolution will be appreciated.
Mayor
Very truly yours,
H resolution
aiopui by (Tke Gity Qouncil <>fth> Qity of Qhicago, Illinois
Aldermen Michelle A. Harris and Roderick T. Sawyer
fjresetfted by Mayor Rahm Emanuel 0« February 28. 2018
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6TBGS ' ^ur'n9 ^his water's snowfalls, some of our City's seniors watched with >d astonishment as crews of energetic volunteers descended upon their blocks and, with swift, energetic efficiency, shoveled their sidewalks and driveways clear; and
WHEREAS, These hard-working, public-spirited youth were brought together'by an exceptional Chicagoan named Jahmal Cole, who had sent out the following social media post on February 9; "Chicago, I need (10) volunteers to help me shovel for seniors tomorrow. I'm getting too many emails from elderly folks that need help. Meet me at the 79th St. Red Line stop at 10:00 am tomorrow. I got hoodies, hats and lunch for anybody that comes through";, and
WHEREAS, Jahmal Cole is a tireless volunteer and role model. An advocate for education reform in Chicago, Jahmal is passionate about improving schools and is a frequent speaker at colleges in the Chicagoland area; and
WHEREAS, Coming from humble beginnings, Jahmal Cole traveled extensively with .his father on a Greyhound bus before the age of 10. He recalls: "Although I traveled quite a bit as a kid, I can't recall going on any planned vacations. There was never a Disney World or California getaway. I never went to summer camp, and I was never a Boy Scout. Even when the grade school had a simple field trip to the zoo or apple farm, I couldn't go because we had no money. I didn't know the difference between a food stamp and a dollar until I put one inside of a pop machine"; and
WHEREAS, Named as one of Huffington Post's 15 Inspiring Chicagoans, Jahmal has launched a groundbreaking social initiative called "My Block, My Hood, My City," in which he takes teenagers from underserved Chicago communities on city-wide explorations. In his recent book, "EXPOSURE IS KEY: Solving Violence By Exposing Teens To Opportunities," he describes taking teenagers on explorations outside of the limitations of their immediate neighborhoods, and introducing them to opportunities, careers, and cultures that are accessible within their own city. All proceeds from the book will go towards sending ten kids in his program to Ghana next summer with four chaperones after they graduate from high school; and
WHEREAS, Jahmal Cole has also spread his message of hope and determination through physical competition. The Englewood 5K was his first race. Some mornings he would post, asking people to meet him to prepare for the run, then would end some runs at small businesses in the neighborhoods to show support. Days before the race, he jokingly posted about pushing harder so the Mayor wouldn't beat him; and
WHEREAS, Jahmal is the author of "The Torch of Decency: Rekindling the Spirit of Community Organizations," "Athletes & MC's" and "50 Excuses: to not Follow your Dreams"; and
WHEREAS, Jahmal is the recipient of many awards recognizing his contributions to the community, including a 2012 Certificate of Appreciation from Governor Pat Quinn, a 2012 Chicago Ideas award presented by Mayor Rahm Emanuel, a 2013 Scion Motivate award presented by Toyota, a 2013 John Lennon Song Writing Grand Prize, a 2013 Cook County Juvenile Detention Center Volunteer award, a 2016 Roberto Clemente Global Health award, a 2016 Chicago Urban, League Innovator award, a 2017 Outstanding Commitment to Community Service award on behalf of State Treasurer Michael Frerichs, and a 2017 Mazda Drive for Good Competition award; and
WHEREAS, Jahmal Cole is a true inspiration to all Chicagoans. We stand in awe and respect at his energy, initiative, vision and heart; now, therefore
BE /T RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and Members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, assembled this twenty-eighth day of February, 2018, do hereby commend Jahmal Cole for his accomplishments and tireless commitment to our City and its youth; and
BE FT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Jahmal Cole as a token of our appreciation and esteem.
