RESOLUTION HONORING NAOMI ZORA BASKINS
WHEREAS, Naomi Zora Baskins, an outstanding young citizen, has been invited to read some of her writings at the Sharjah International Book Fair in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates during its April 2014 children's festival. She is one of three middle school aged children from the United States to receive this prestigious invitation; and
WHEREAS, The organizers of the Sharjah International Book Exhibition will host the 6th edition of the Sharjah Children's Reading Festival from April 15-25, 2014 at the Expo Centre Sharjah; and
WHEREAS, A well-published author, Nnedi Okorafor was approached by the Cultural Events Executive International Director of the festival, Elisabet Maria Rhoden, to recommend a child that could read some of their work at the festival and Naomi Zora Baskin was chosen to read to the 2014 Festival visitors; and
WHEREAS, Naomi will be among the International authors, poets, storytellers and performers who will be sharing their work and love of books with the children and adults attending the festival; and
WHEREAS, Naomi Zora is the loving daughter of her proud parents, Kelly Eliis PhD. and Kevin Baskins. This amazing thirteen year old, 8th grader from The Ancona School in Hyde Park and who will be attending ChiArts High School in the fall of 2014, has demonstrated strong leadership skills. Naomi has volunteered at El Valor Head Start Center in Chicago's Pilsen Community and at the Chicago State University's Spanish Language Camp as a youth tutor. She assisted with the coordination of fundraisers for student study abroad. Naomi Zora Baskins is truly an inspiration to the young and the old; and
WHEREAS, Naomi's other notable accomplishments has been as a pianist. She placed in the Illinois Music Association and Columbia College's Piano Fest and has performed at such venues as: the Chicago's Jazz Showcase and Columbia College. Naomi attends Sherwood Community Music School and has participated in several school plays, in addition to most recently, the Looking Glass Theatre's production of "Jason and the Argonauts; and
WHEREAS, Her extracurricular activities at The Ancona School have included: choir, journalism, and photography. She was a member of the 2012-2013 Basketball City Championship team. Fashion and beauty, video blogging, writing and learning about different cultures and religions are some of Naomi's other interest; and
WHEREASr THe Honorable Michelle A. Harris, Alderman of the 8th Ward and Chairman of the Committee on Committees, Rules and Ethics has apprised this august body of the noteworthy accomplishments of Naomi Zora Baskins; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved, That we the Mayor and members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, gathered here this 30th day of April 2014, do hereby salute Miss Naomi Zora Baskins and extend our best wishes for success in all her future endeavors.
Be^it Further Resolved, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to Miss Naomi Zora* Baskins.-,,
MICHELLE A. HARRIS Alderman - 8th Ward