ORDINANCE
WHEREAS Charlie Herman "Boot" Allen was an exceptional educator, a remarkable businessman, and an outstanding member of his community; and
WHEREAS Charlie began his life on December 10, 1941, and passed away February 8, 2017, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Charlie earned a bachelor's degree from Tennessee State A & I University where he was inducted into the Alpha Theta Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and maintained lifetime membership. He matriculated to Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago where he received a master's degree in education that prepared him for a 35-year career with the Chicago Public Schools; and
WHEREAS Charlie taught at Mason Upper Grade Center, & later transitioned to high school where he taught at James Bowen High School. He counseled his students concerning owning businesses and buying real estate at an early age. He demonstrated his continuing commitment to the youth of this city by voluntarily tutoring and encouraging them to remain in school to achieve the highest possible level of education while emphasizing discipline, respect of others, and the importance of self-love to all he tutored; and
WHEREAS Charlie was a devoted member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago. As a faithful member ofthe choir and Deacons Ministry, Charlie was well respected by his church family who sought his guidance and counseling as well as his financial support; and
WHEREAS, known affectionately as "Boot" Allen by the early 1970's, his energetic spirit led him to a successful venture as the owner and operator of the immensely popular "Presidents Lounge" in the heart of Chicago's South Side on 75"1 Street. It is an establishment in the community known to be frequented by prominent professionals and well-known athletes as well as people from all walks of life and a place to unwind and relax in the company of good friends and acquaintances. According to the Chicago Tribune feature article in September of 2003, President's Lounge is truly a local joint where everybody knows your name like the fictional "Cheers"; and
WHEREAS "Boot" Allen wanted to give back to his community through various venues by helping students graduating from high school. He started the Liquor Association Scholarship Fund, a foundation he established with other local bar owners in the Chicagoland area. Students applied annually and were given a thousand-dollar scholarship to the university of their choice. Each year in August the recipients were presented with the Scholarships at the Liquor Association's Annual Scholarship Gala and each year, during the Christmas season, Presidents Lounge collected "Toys for Tots" to give to the less fortunate; and
WHEREAS, "Boot" Allen had a very generous spirit who could see potential in his students as well as the young men and women in the neighborhood whom he would mentor. To this date, his former students tell his family how he is the reason they have been successful as well as how great and positive an influence he has had on their lives; now therefore
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO:
Section 1. Pursuant to Section 2-8-040 of the Municipal Code of Chicago,
which allows erection of honorary street name designations, the Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Transportation shall take the necessary action for standardization of East 75th Street, between South Champlain Avenue and South Langley Avenue as "Honorary Charlie "Boot" Allen Way."
Section 2. This ordinance shall take effect upon its passage and publication.
RODERICK T. SAWYER Alderman - 6th Ward
Obituary
Allen, Charlie "Boot"
Monday, February 13, 2017
Charlie "Boot" Allen, 75, passed away unexpectedly on February 8, 2017, in a local hospital. He was a graduate of Howard High School, Class of 1959. In his early life he resided in the Southside Neighborhood of Chattanooga, where he was a singer and performer with several local R & B bands.
Charlie earned his bachelor's degree from Tennessee State University. He became a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Charlie earned his master's degree from North Eastern University.
His formal education and sense of humor prepared him for a 35-year career In the Chicago public school system as a teacher where he retired after 35 years of service.
Charlie Allen
Baptist Church.
After his retirement, he moved back to Tennessee where he often enjoyed golfing, bowling, playing dominos or traveling with his wife Karen. He became a faithful church and choir member of Hawkinsville
He is survived by his devoted wife, Karen Allen; his four daughters; seven grandchildren; three-great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.
Services will be held on Wednesday, Feb 15, from 6-8 p.m. at Hawkinsville Baptist Church, 7463 Pinewood Drive, Chattanooga, TN.
Arrangements are by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., 622-9995.
Reason for Honoring
Naming 75th Street after Charlie "Boot" Allen would mean so much to that area of 75th Street & the Community. This will make this area of 75th Street a Historical part of the South Side of Chicago, IL. This can show the younger generation how hard work & dedication can make them a successful business owner. Todays; youth need to see positive stories about successful Black men.
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July 20, 2022
Office of Budget and Management 121 N. LaSalle, Room 604 Chicago, IL 60602
To Whom It May Concern:
I, Roderick T. Sawyer, Alderman of the 6th Ward, hereby authorize the Office of Budget Management to withdraw the funds associated with the cost of installation for this honorary street designation for Honorary Charles "Boot" Allen Way from my Ward's annual menu program budget upon passage of this honorary street designation ordinance, pursuant to Section 2-8-040 of the Chicago Municipal Code.
Roderick T. Sawyer Alderman, Ward 6
Sincerely,