A Resolution Honoring the Life of Herb Kent "The Cool Gent"
WHEREAS, Herb Kent "The Cool Gent" was called home to the Lord on Saturday, October 22, 2016 at the age of 88; and
WHEREAS, From his humble beginnings in Bronzeville growing up in the Ida B. Wells housing development, Herb Kent went on to entertain generations of Chicagoland residents over his seven-decade career as one of the original, most-popular and most-influential African-American DJs on the radio; and
WHEREAS, A Chicago institution, Herb Kent helped launch countless music careers working for WVON, WJJD and V103, and in honor of his lasting impact on radio, Herb was inducted into the Museum of Broadcast Communications Radio Hall of Fame in 1995; and
WHEREAS, Herb Kent's contributions were not limited to music, as he was an influential civil rights activist, having hosted a program with Stevie Wonder for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s last visit to Chicago and used the power of the radio to help quell the riots following the death of Dr. King; and
WHEREAS, As a longtime resident of Bronzeville - residing at Bronzeville Pointe on historic Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive - Herb Kent was a pillar of the community, always interested in local development projects and willing to show his pride in Bronzeville through the many volunteer and charitable works he did throughout the neighborhood; and
WHEREAS, Because of his community involvement and status as a Chicago cultural icon, Herb Kent was named as the honorary "Mayor of Bronzeville," and has Stony Island Avenue from 60th St. to 67th St. named in his honor; and
WHEREAS Herb Kent was a friend to countless elected officials, community leaders and local residents, appearing at numerous neighborhood events both big and small including a "Battle of the Best" with Alderman Pat Dowell. He was always generous with his time, knowledge and friendship; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the members of the City Council of the City of Chicago...
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