RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, We, the members of the Chicago City Council, wish to honor the life of, Ina A Wilson, a devoted Bronzeville resident who has left an awe-inspiring legacy for her family and the city, and
WHEREAS, Ina A Wilson was born in the small town of McComb, MS on July 27, 1935. She was an astounding woman, so astounding that she celebrates not one but two birthdays, and
WHEREAS, After graduating high school Mrs. Wilson moved to Chicago and furthered her education at Cortez Peters Business College. Mrs. Wilson found her professional calling in business and became one of the first Black female Assistant Vice Presidents at First National Bank of Chicago, (Chase Bank); and
WHEREAS, Known as the "Mayor of Bronzeville", Ina A. Wilson was an instrumental worker on the revitalization of the Bronzeville community. She was a key figure in the development of the first CAPS organization in Bronzeville. As a CAPS Facilitator with the Chicago Police Department - Mrs. Wilson represented the resident's interests and concerns for Beat 213 and Beat 222 in the First District. Attending the monthly public meeting as well as smaller meetings with the District Commander and officers as needed and serving as the lead liaison between the CPD and the community; and
WHEREAS, The 40th, 41st, Bowen and Vincennes Community Association was founded by Ina A. Wilson in the Summer or 1996 with the intention of giving voice to the residents, who as individuals could not effect change nor request certain city services without being an organization that was registered with the City of Chicago. The association Organized annual celebrations, community events, yard sales, and field trips open to all residents of the 4th Ward, especially seniors; and
WHEREAS, as the Community Representative with the Chicago Liquor Commission from the 4th Ward, Ina A. Wilson took on the issue of the large number of package liquor establishments in the community, and effective led to the community effort to make the neighborhood dry and the eventual closing of liquor stores in the 4th ward; and
WHEREAS Volunteer with the 4th Ward Organization. Bringing the needs and wants of the 4th Ward residents, Grand Boulevard neighborhood to the Alderman in an effective manner so that all residents knew the developments coming, the developers behind the future growth of the area and giving voice to the concerns and fears of displacement possible with the growth. She encouraged the members to attend the meetings at the Ward and share the information with their neighbors; and
WHEREAS, as the Clean and Green Captain, Ina A. Wilson secured materials and items needed from the ward superintendent Streets and Sanitation department and recruited an army of volunteers for the annual effort to remove trash, litter and debris from the vacant lots, alleys and streets, and planting trees and painting the fences throughout the neighborhood; and
WHEREAS, Ina A. Wilson served as a Chicago Board of Election coordinator for the 18th and 33rd Precincts, recruiting and supervising election judges and poll workers, overseeing a smooth fair and accessible voting experience for residents and assuring the safe submission of ballots to the appropriate election officials; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Wilson was a devoted member of Monumental Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. D.E. King. She will be remembered as an amazing God-fearing woman who relentlessly helped those around her; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Wilson was most remembered for being a remarkable mother, wife, and sister. She fed gatherings of people with any type of soul food imaginable; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Wilson was the last of her fifteen siblings to depart from us in spirit. In her legacy, she leaves an amazing family of her loving husband, Tebo Wilson Jr., four children, fourteen grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and thousands of people around Chicago impacted by her charming will. The life of Mrs. Wilson will be missed, but her legacy will never be forgotten.; and
WHEREAS, On behalf of the entire 4th Ward, Alderman Sophia King would like to extend Ina A. Wilson this honor for her longtime commitment to her family and the entire Bronzeville community; therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Members ofthe City Council ofthe City of Chicago, assembled this ninth day of September 2020, do hereby extend our heartfelt gratitude to Ina A. Wilson and sincere sympathy to her family; and
R RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution are presented to the honor, gratitude, and celebration of Ms. Wilson's legacy.
sophia King
Alderman, 4th Ward