OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
CITY OF CHICAGO
LORI E. LIGHTFOOT
MAYOR
January 27, 2021
TO THE HONORABLE, THE CTTY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I transmit herewith a resolution honoring the life and memory of Dr. Manford Byrd. Your favorable consideration of this resolution will be appreciated.
Very truly yours,
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The Members of this Body were deeply saddened to learn ofthe death of Dr. Manford Byrd, Jr., a dedicated educator, beloved citizen, loving husband, and devoted father, on January 17, 2021; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Byrd was born on May 29, 1928 in Brewton, Alabama to Manford Byrd Sr. and Evelyn Turk Byrd; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Byrd earned a degree in Mathematics in 1949 from Central College in Pella, Iowa, where he played on the College's baseball and basketball teams. Dr. Byrd earned a Master's Degree in Education from Atlanta University in 1954, and a Doctorate Degree in Education from Northwestern University in 1978. Dr. Byrd maintained a strong allegiance to Northwestern University for the rest of his life; and
WHEREAS, A devoted educator, Dr. Byrd began his career in education teaching in Quincy, Illinois from 1949-1954 before accepting a teaching position in Chicago, where he dedicated the rest of his life; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Byrd and Cheribelle Byrd were united in holy matrimony on March 31, 1956, at St. Barbara's Church in Bridgeport; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Byrd dedicated his career and his life's work to educating the children of Chicago in the Chicago Public School system as a teacher, assistant principal, elementary and high school principal and assistant to the General Superintendent of the Chicago Public Schools; and
WHEREAS, In 1968, Dr. Byrd was appointed Deputy Superintendent and Chief Operating Officer of Chicago Public Schools, at the relatively young age of 39, making Dr. Byrd one ofthe highest ranking African American public sector leaders in the nation; and
WHEREAS, Through his exceptional talent, determi...
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