RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The Honorable Demetrius C. Newton, a prominent civil rights leader and widely admired Alabama politician, has been called to eternal life by the wisdom of God at the age of eighty-five; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of his passing by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and
WHEREAS, The Honorable Demetrius C. Newton was the much-adored father of Deirdre and Demetrius, Jr., to whom he imparted many of the fine and noble qualities that he possessed in abundance; and
WHEREAS, The Honorable Demetrius C. Newton received a bachelor's degree from Wilberforce University and a law degree from Boston University; and
WHEREAS, The former City Attorney for Birmingham, Alabama, the Honorable Demetrius C. Newton served in the state legislature for twenty-seven years and became the first African-American Speaker Pro Tempore of the Alabama House of Representatives; and
WHEREAS, A passionate advocate for civil rights, the Honorable Demetrius C. Newton provided expert legal representation for the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rosa Parks and advocated for the rights of protestors to demonstrate in safety; and
WHEREAS, To his beloved family, the Honorable Demetrius C. Newton imparts a legacy of faithfulness, service and dignity; and
WHEREAS, The hard work, sacrifice and dedication of the Honorable Demetrius C. Newton serve as an example to all; and
WHEREAS, His love of life and ability to live it to the fullest endeared the Honorable Demetrius C. Newton to his family members, friends and all who knew him, and enabled him to enrich their lives in ways they will never forget; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the members of the Chicago City Council, assembled this sixteenth day of October, 2013, do hereby commemorate the Honorable Demetrius C. Newton for his grace-filled life and do hereby express our condolences to his family; and
Alderman - 14th Ward
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution...
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