SALUTE TO ABENA JOAN BROWN
WHEREAS, For the past four decades, exemplary citizen Abena Joan Brown, has been the president of eta Creative Arts, an outstanding organization she co-founded and an iconic south side institution that fostered a multitude of African-American artists, writers, actors, and directors; and
WHEREAS, Abena Joan Brown's enrollment in dance classes when three years of age foreshadowed her eventual inspiring career. This nurtured the appreciation for how important are the arts within the African-American community; and
WHEREAS, Abena Joan Brown's academic education included Bachelor's degree from Roosevelt University and a Master's degree focusing on community organization and management from the University of Chicago. She used her terpsichorean talents to pay for college by dancing in nightclubs throughout Chicago; and
WHEREAS, The difficulties surrounding this nation's civil rights struggle only strengthened Ms. Brown's desire to express her self through the arts. Ultimately, she realized that she could use her higher education as well as assist in the civil rights struggle by utilizing the theatre as a place where African-Americans could foster their artistic skills; and
WHEREAS, Although Ms. Brown had been active in the arts as a dancer, it wasn't until the late 1950s that she started acting. She joined Drama Incorporated and began being heavily involved in all facets of theatre production. She not only performed on stage but also contributed to the backstage effort by building sets, stage managing, and directing wardrobe; and
WHEREAS, After nine years of planning and fundraising, Abena Joan Brown finally realized her dream of a permanent community arts center by moving eta Creative Arts into its current South Chicago Avenue facility; and
WHEREAS, Abena's accolades include an honorary doctorate from Chicago State University, induction into the Women's Hall of Fame of Chicago, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Joseph Jefferson Committee; and
WHEREAS, The Honorable Leslie A. Hairston, Alderman of the 5th Ward, has apprised this august body of Abena Joan Brown's unique and significant contributions to the African-American arts community and the entire City of Chicago; now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED That we, the Mayor and members of the City Council gathered together this 6th Day of July, 2011 AD, do hereby salute Abena Joan Brown for her lifetime commitment to excellence and extend our heartfelt wishes for health, happiness and success in all her future endeavors; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and given to Abena Joan Brown.
LESLIE A. HAIRSTON Alderman - 5th Ward
ri unrnoz