OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
CITY OF CHICAGO
RAHM EMANUEL
MAYOR
May 28, 2014
TO THE HONORABLE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I transmit herewith, together with Aldermen Fioretti, Hairston, Sawyer, Holmes, Burke, Thomas and Brookins, a congratulatory resolution concerning the Cook County Bar Association.
Your favorable consideration of this resolution will be appreciated.
Mayor
Very truly yours,
H resolution
adopted by 7)ie Qity Qouncil
ALDERMEN BOB FIORETTI, LESLIE HAIRSTON, RODERICK T. SAWYER, NATASHIA HOLMES, EDWARD M. BURKE, LATASHA THOMAS, HOWARD B. BROOKINS
resented by mayor rahm emanuel Qn may 28,2014
BT6US 'ln ^69, Lloyd G. Wheeler became the first Black man licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois, and, in 1894, Ida Piatt became the first Black woman attorney licensed in Illinois. By 1896, 32 African Americans had been admitted to the Illinois bar, and they began meeting informally to devise a legal strategy to protest against discrimination in hotels, theaters, restaurants, schools and the judiciary; and
WHEREAS, This informal collaboration among African American attorneys lasted until 1914, when a younger generation of Black lawyers decided to form the Cook County Bar Association ("CCBA") to improve, protect, and defend the lives and rights of all citizens in the Greater Chicago area. The CCBA is the oldest association of Black lawyers in the country; and
WHEREAS, Since the CCBA's inception, its members have served as advocates, judges and legal educators, and as elected and appointed representatives, participating at every level of government to fight injustice, to advocate on behalf of underserved communities, and to promote the interests of African American lawyers and judges; and
WHEREAS, Throughout its distinguished history, the CCBA has provided leadership, service and advocacy for African-American attorneys and to people residing in underserved communitie...
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