Resolution Celebrating the Life and Memory of Shirley Newsome
WHEREAS, We, the members of the Chicago City Council, wish to honor the life of Alderwoman Shirley Newsome, a Community Advocate, mother and friend who peacefully passed away on December 25th 2022; and
WHEREAS, the Chicago City Council has been informed of Shirley's passing by Alderwoman Sophia King, Alderwoman of the 4th ward; and
WHEREAS, Alderwoman Shirley Newsome was born on Aug. 15th, 1945 to the Rev. Charlie Murray Sr. and Blancy Lillie Strong; and
WHEREAS, Alderwoman Newsome was a beloved member of the North Kenwood-Oakland Community Conservation Council and a resident of North Kenwood-Oakland for the past 34+ years and began her community involvement in 1981 with the organization of the Lake Park-Berkeley-Ellis-Drexel Block Club Association; and
WHEREAS, Since 1988 Alderman Newsome was actively involved in the process of engaging community around the development of affordable and mixed-income housing, recreational facilities, the development of commercial and mixed-use properties on the commercial corridors, policies, planning, and countless agendas to improve the overall Quality of Life for the residents in multiple neighborhoods on the southeast side of Chicago; and
WHEREAS, Alderwoman Newsome participated in the planning process that led to the designation of North Kenwood-Oakland as a Conservation Area, serving as the Planning Committee Co-Chair and later appointed Chairman of the NKO Conservation Community Council, following City Council designation; and
WHEREAS, She was actively involved in all of the "Quality of Life" issues of community development and revitalization: Schools, Parks, Child Care, Cultural Arts, Crime and Safety, and served as community representative for North Kenwood-Oakland on various committees addressing these areas. Her community work extended to the neighborhoods of Hyde Park, Kenwood, Washington Park, and Woodlawn when appointed to the South East Chicago Commissio...
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