MEMORIAL RESOLUTION FOR BOARD MEETING OF JUNE 18, 2020
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MEMORIAL RESOLUTION sponsored by the Board of Commissioners honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Conrad Worrill
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WHEREAS, Dr. Conrad Walter Worrill was a civil rights activist, educator, organizer, scholar, writer, and talk show host that advocated for African independence. For more than 50 years, Dr. Worrill devoted himself to advocating for the rights of people of African descent living throughout the world; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Worrill emphasized the importance for youth of African descent to educate themselves and develop a comprehensive understanding of the history and significance of African people for the purpose of putting into perspective the current conditions that exist; and
WHEREAS, born in Pasadena, California, Dr. Worrill moved to Chicago, Illinois with his family when he was nine years old. After returning from serving in the United States Army, Dr. Worrill turned his attention to obtaining an education. Dr. Worrill earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Behavioral Science from George Williams College, a Master of Arts degree in Social Service Administration from the University of Chicago, and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Wisconsin - Madison; and
WHEREAS, for more than 40 years, Dr. Worrill was employed as a professor at Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago in the Department of Inner City Studies. During his tenure, he served as the department chair and the academic coordinator. Dr. Worrill also served as the Director of the Jacob H. Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies, which he helped to create; and
WHEREAS, beginning in 1983, Dr. Worrill wrote a weekly syndicated column which was published in numerous newspapers throughout the United States. Dr. Worrill was a founding member of the National Black United Front where he served as National Chairman for 24 years. For 30 years he served as a board member of the Black United Fund of Illinois. He also served as a talk show host on Chicago’s WVON radio for 10 years; and
WHEREAS, a few of Dr. Worrill’s widely recognized accomplishments include his participation in the advocacy for the widespread observation of Kwanzaa, his consulting leadership which aided in the successful organization of the Million Man March, and his organization of the Durban 400 delegation which participated in the United Nations World Conference Against Racism; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Worrill was a leader in the fight for racial and social justice and human rights, an unwavering advocate of the importance of education for people of African descent, and a strong proponent of equality; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Worrill provided his valuable knowledge during MWRD African American History Celebrations. Most recently, in February 2020, Dr. Worrill participated in the MWRD’s first month-long African American flag raising ceremony to kick off the African American History Makers program; the flag was raised for the entire month for the first time. In 2018, Dr. Worrill lead two presentations on African American elected officials’ rise from local to national politics for Leland Elementary School eighth grade students and teachers. In 2017, Dr. Worrill served as Master of Ceremonies for the Chicago City Council Wars program which brought together some of the Late Mayor Harold Washington’s 21 City Council Wars Alderman. In 2016, Dr. Worrill gave the keynote address for the “Boldly Moving Forward” program.
WHEREAS, Dr. Worrill was extended family and we will truly miss him and all that he gave to us.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that we, the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, on behalf of ourselves and staff, do hereby honor the life and legacy of Dr. Conrad Worrill; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution be spread upon the permanent Record of Proceedings of the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago and that a copy of same, suitably engrossed, be presented.
Dated: June 18, 2020