OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
CITY OF CHICAGO
LORI E. LIGHTFOOT MAYOR
June 23,2021
TO THE HONORABLE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I transmit herewith, together with Aldermen Hopkins, Rodriguez, Villegas, Thompson, Sigcho-Lopez, Waguespaek, Vasquez, Lopez, hladden, Ervin, Martin, Osterman, Rodriguez, Sanchez, Burke, Dowell, Cappleman, Reilly, Rosa, Mitts, King, O'Shea, Nugent, Silverstein, Scott and Moore, a resolution honoring the life and memory of Bernie Wong, founder of Chicago Chinatown's Chinese American Service League.
Your favorable consideration of this resolution will be appreciated.
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The Members of this Body were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Bernarda "Bernie" Wong, co-founder and retired chief executive officer and president ofthe Chinese American Service League in Chicago, at age 77; and
WHEREAS, Bernie was born on October 24, 1943 in Hong Kong to the late Jorge Lo and Virginia Chia de Lo as the youngest of seven siblings; and
WHEREAS, Bernie immigrated to the United States at the age of 18 to study at Briar Cliff College in Sioux City, Iowa, before receiving a Master of Social Work degree from Washington University in St. Louis; and
WHEREAS, Inspired to dedicate her career to helping others, Bernie moved to Chicago to become a social worker. In the City's Chinatown, she became a champion for the neighborhood, as well as for immigrants, the elderly, and the poor; and
WHEREAS, Bernie co-founded the Chinese American Service League in 1978. Under Bernie's leadership, the organization became the largest social service agency serving Asian Americans in the Midwest; and
WHEREAS, From humble beginnings, the Chinese American Service League has grown to include programs for educating youth, caring for the elderly, training the workforce, placing immigrants on the path to citizenship, and securing housing and financial wellbeing for Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans; and
WH...
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