RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, On September 9, 2020, the Members of this Body adopted R2020-693, which extended congratulations to 95.1 FM Chicago and its owner Tracey V. Bell on the occasion of the station's first anniversary as a Black woman-owned radio station; and
WHEREAS, It was later discovered that the inclusion of previously omitted accomplishments and milestones would make this congratulatory resolution more meaningful to Ms. Bell and all those who contributed to the growth of 95.1 FM Chicago; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, That R2020-693 is hereby replaced with the resolution attached
hereto.
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The Members of this Body are pleased to congratulate 95.1 FM Chicago as it celebrates its first anniversary as a Black woman-owned radio station; and
WHEREAS, Tracey V. Bell purchased 95.1 FM from Windy City Broadcasting in August 2019; and
WHEREAS, Prior to taking the helm at 95.1 FM Chicago, Ms. Bell amassed a long and illustrious career that began with Johnson Publishing Company at radio stations WJPC in Chicago and WLOU in Louisville, before turning to corporate strategy and marketing for several of the country's most reputable brands; and
WHEREAS, While there are more than ten thousand commercial radio stations in the United States, only six station owners are Black women, including Ms. Bell; and
WHEREAS, With women, such as program director Khris Hutchinson, known on-air as First Lady, making up more than fifty percent of its on-air personalities, 95.1 FM Chicago has more women as broadcasters than any other radio station in Chicago; and
WHEREAS, Known as "The Heartbeat of Soul," 95.1 FM Chicago has a combined format of classic R&B, Chicago-style steppin', Chicago house, smooth jazz, and gospel music; and
WHEREAS, 95.1 FM Chicago is the only music station in Chicago catering to Black adults aged thirty-five years and older as its primary demographic; and
WHEREAS, Through its mobile application, 95.1 FM Chicago has expanded its reach to nineteen countries across five continents, with listeners in Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and South America; and
WHEREAS, With an eye toward the future, 95.1 FM Chicago continues to innovate with a digital approach to FM broadcasting. The station anticipates approval of a patent for its FM OMNI-CHANNEL Registration; and
WHEREAS, 95.1 FM Chicago partnered with Mayor Lori Lightfoot for the station's "The Mayor's Minute" segment, which provided listeners with information during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS, 95.1 FM Chicago is committed to community service, with a focus on helping to strengthen small businesses. This year, the station produced and released "We Are Chicago," a song that pays tributes to the many Chicagoans, including Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who have left an indelible impact on the Black experience in the City and beyond. The proceeds from this project provide relief to small businesses in Chicago that have been harmed by the COVID-19 pandemic; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and Members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, assembled this ninth day of September, 2020, do hereby congratulate radio station 95.1 FM Chicago for its many achievements on the occasion of its first anniversary; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Tracey V. Bell as a sign of our congratulations and good wishes.