to be adopted by The City Council
of the City of Chicago, Illinois Proclamation Honoring Ella Jenkins
WHEREAS, The Legendary Chicago Children's Artist, Ella Jenkins, was born on August 6,1924 and grew up in Chicago's Southside neighborhoods of Bronzeville, Hyde Park, and Woodlawn;
WHEREAS, Ella has taught multiple generations of children which included programs and perfonnances for the Jack and Jill Clubs, Ida B. Wells, the YWCA and the JCC of Chicago;
WHEREAS, Ella is recognized in the Landmark dedication to DuSable High School as one of the emerging leaders that graduated from that high school;
WHEREAS, Ella brings Chicago pride as the First Lady of Children's Music and as Chicago's first African American woman to have her own television show "The Totem Club" on IVTTIVin 1957;
WHEREAS, Ella has been featured on Harry Porterfield's "Someone You Should Know" and Midday news on WGN television to celebrate the release of her new CD, "Multicultural Children's Songs";
WHEREAS, Ella has traveled extensively and performed her songs on all seven continents, sharing and learning about the cultures she visits and expanding on her musical traditions;
WHEREAS, Ella has made television appearances on shows including NBC's Today Show, CNN's Showbiz Today, and various PBS programs and children's films;
WHEREAS, Ella's work has received extensive recognitions, including the Parents' Choice awards and Grammy nominations in the category of Best Musical Album for Children. In 2004, she was also recognized with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award;
WHEREAS, Ella turns 90 years old this month, celebrating a lifetime of musical contributions to the children of Chicago;
AND WHEREAS, I, Willie B. Cochran, find this 90th Birthday Celebration a suitable occasion and an honor to recognize Ella Jenkins;
BE IT RESOLVED, that wc, the Mayor and members of the City of Chicago City Council, assembled here this 10,h Day of September, 2014 AD, do hereby honor Ms. Ella Jenkins for her extr...
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