RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Bernard Cherkasov, the long-serving chief executive officer of Equality Illinois, has announced his retirement; and,
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of his retirement by Chicago City LGBT Caucus; and,
WHEREAS, Bernard who joined Equality Illinois in 2009, was at the forefront of the campaigns for passage of civil unions and marriage equality in Illinois, as well as legislation that enhances hate crime protections and protects LGBT youth through strengthened anti-bullying policies and a conversion therapy ban; and,
WHEREAS, Mr. Cherkasov earned his Juris Doctorate from University of Michigan and his Master's degree, with the focus on the relationship of public policy, theology and law, from Harvard University; and,
WHEREAS, Bernard's accomplishments Equality Illinois include - financial stability, developed a highly professional staff and expanded their presence throughout the state; and,
WHEREAS, legislatively, Bernard was a dedicated and tireless advocate in the passage of marriage equality law passed in Illinois and Supreme Court decision to legalize gay marriage on a federal level in June of 2015; and,
WHEREAS, Bernard will not be resting on his laurels as he and his spouse Danny are the father of a kindergartener, and will continue to work on pursuing social justice as the Executive Director of Cradles to Crayons, a national childhood poverty organization; and,
BE IT RESOLVED, that we the Mayor and members of the Chicago City Council, in meeting assembled this 13th day of April, do hereby congratulate and pay tribute to Bernard Cherkasov for his devoted service to Equality Illinois ; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be presented to Bernard Cherkasov.
Deborah Mell Alderman, 31st Ward
James Capple^n Alderman, 46th Ward
Carlos Ramirez-Rosa Alderman, 35th Ward