RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, PATRICIA HIGHTOWER, was born in Miami, Florida and raised in Lakeland Florida;
WHEREAS, Patricia attended Bethune Cookman College and because of racial bias, she was not allowed in colleges located in Lakeland, Florida; as such, Lakeland was her learning ground for tenacity, aspirations, and involvement in social justice issues;
WHEREAS, after two years of college, the only jobs available for Patricia were in housekeeping, cleaning offices, and other menial jobs;
WHEREAS, Patricia moved to Chicago in 1963 to seek better opportunities;
WHEREAS, Patricia worked a Spiegel's, and then for the Federal Reserve Bank for ten (10) years;
WHEREAS, Patricia had one daughter named Dawn, who had sickle cell anemia, and was admitted to the hospital during the time of her employment with Federal Reserve Bank;
WHEREAS, Patricia was faced with the difficult decision to either be with her daughter in the hospital or lose her job, and therefore left Federal Reserve in 1980;
WHEREAS, Patricia's decision to the leave the Bank turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as Patricia was notified that she was eligible for retirement benefits because of her ten (10) years of service;
WHEREAS, Patricia was encouraged by an employee at the Federal Reserve Bank to apply to Roosevelt University, and after doing so, she transferred 58 credit hours from Bethune Cookman College;
WHEREAS, Patricia worked in the Theater, Bursar's Office, and other work-study jobs until she received her degree;
WHEREAS, Patricia held several positions in social work, finally retiring from Sullivan
House;
WHEREAS, Patricia has been a proud a long-term member for over 40 years at Bryn Mawr Church, and is a member of the Choir, Women's Board, and a volunteer with the Food Pantry;
WHEREAS, on December 30, 1998, Patricia's daughter Dawn passed away at the age of 30, and although she was not a member, her life was celebrated at Bryn Mawr Church because of her mother's work and dedication;
WHEREAS, Patri...
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