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, Patricia is a motivator and a shining example for her nieces and nephews, and she is very proud of all ofthe professional accomplishments that they have achieved;
WHEREAS, Patricia's Motto is "Respect yourself first, demand respect, and give respect;" accordingly, she has taught other females to "always be a woman and a lady;"
NOW THEREFORE:
BE IT RESOLVED that we, the Mayor and Members ofthe City Council ofthe City of
Chicago, assembled this day of June, 2022, do hereby honor the community service of
PATRICIA HIGHTOWER, and extend our congratulations to her for 50 years of community service, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that suitable copies of this Resolution be presented to PATRICIA HIGHTOWER as a sign of our good wishes.
By:
Alderman Leslie A. Hairston 5th Ward