OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
CITY OF CHICAGO
RAHM EMANUEL
MAYOR
December 13,2017
TO THE HONORABLE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I transmit herewith, together with Alderman Hairston, a resolution honoring the life and memory of Mae M. Hodge.
Your favorable consideration of this resolution will be appreciated.
Mayor
Very truly yours,
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, This Body wishes to extend its deeply felt sympathies and condolences to the family and friends of Mae Bridgeforth Melendez Hodge, who passed away at the age of 99 on November 25, 2017; and
WHEREAS, Mae Hodge was born in Athens, Alabama on October 4, 1918 to parents Lallie Bedingfield Bridgeforth and William S. Bridgeforth; and
WHEREAS, Mae Hodge grew up in Alabama and attended Alabama State University for one year before moving to Chicago in 1936; and
WHEREAS, In 1942 Mae Hodge married Doctor Stanis S. Melendez, a union which ¦'" produced two children: Carmen and William; and
WHEREAS, While raising her children, Mae Hodge continued her education and received her BA. in Primary Education from Chicago Teacher's College (now Chicago State University). She went on to earn a Master's Degree from LaVerne University; and
WHEREAS, Mae Hodge was married a second time, to attorney Woodrow W. Hodge, and they had a child together, Donna Renee; and
WHEREAS, A longtime resident of Hyde Park, Mae Hodge taught primary education in Chinatown, Woodlawn, Englewood and Hyde Park; and
WHEREAS, Mae Hodge was active in politics throughout her life. She worked tirelessly to help attorney Claude Holman be elected 4th Ward alderman. She was also very proud of her work helping Harold Washington become Chicago's first elected black Mayor; and
WHEREAS, Mae Hodge participated in civic activities her entire life She earned The Most Distinguished Woman Award, bestowed on her by the NAACP for raising the most money for that pioneering organization in 1969; and
WHEREAS, Her other community and philanthr...
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