RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, We, the members of the Chicago City Council, wish to extend our congratulations and warmest birthday wishes to Rueben Lee Norris in honor of his 85lh Birthday; and,
WHEREAS, On behalf of the entire 4th Ward and the greater City of Chicago, Alderman Sophia King would like to extend her personal tribute to Mr. Norris on this momentous occasion as recognition for being an outstanding citizen ofthe City of Chicago; and,
WHEREAS, Mr. Norris is well known for his lifetime involvement in his community, particularly through his employment at both the Chicago Park District and Chicago Public Schools; and,
WHEREAS, Mr. Norris was born in Evansville, Indiana where he attended Lincoln High School and played four sports, receiving academic and athletic honors upon graduation; and,
WHEREAS, He choose to attend Knoxville College where he was awarded an athletic scholarship for football. In addition to his athletics, he pledged Omega Psi Phi Fraternity his junior year; and,
WHEREAS, Upon graduation, Rueben was drafted into the military, serving his term before being honorably discharged. In 1960 he moved to Chicago, where he began a life of community service; and,
WHEREAS, In 1962 he began teaching at-risk youth under a federal government program titled 'Manpower' in efforts to assist them in acquiring their G.E.D.; and,
WHEREAS, Rueben was hired that same year by the Chicago Park District, first as a weekend recreation leader and later a physical instructor; and,
WHEREAS, After six years at the Park District, he was promoted to Playground Supervisor of Horan Playground, only to be promoted to Park Supervisor of Douglas and Avalon Park four months later; and,
WHEREAS, His outstanding service to the Park District was noticed, and he would later become the Physical Activity Supervisor of Areas 1 & 2 and in 1973, he became an Area Supervisor, overseeing 36 parks; and,
WHEREAS, Upon his retirement from the Park District, he began teaching at King College...
Click here for full text