HomeMy WebLinkAbout129-R-21 Designating that Portion of McDaniel Avenue Between Crain Street and Dempster Street with the Honorary Street Name Sign, “Judge Lionel Jean-Baptiste Way”12/13/2021
129-R-21
A RESOLUTION
Designating that Portion of McDaniel Avenue
Between Crain Street and Dempster Street with the
Honorary Street Name Sign, i°Hon. Lionel Jean -Baptiste Way"
WHEREAS, Judge Lionel Jean -Baptiste has been a vital member of
Evanston's community as a resident of Evanston since 1964, and becoming the first
Haitian -American elected to serve as Alderman for the 2nd Ward and Councilmember for
the City of Evanston in 2001; and
WHEREAS, Judge Jean -Baptiste served as Alderman for the 2nd Ward
and Councilmember for the City of Evanston for 10 years; and
WHEREAS, prior to becoming a judge, Judge Jean -Baptiste was a civil
rights activist and practiced law for over 20 years in the areas of immigration, personal
injury, probate, and transactional law; and worked on a major federal case pertaining to
African American reparations; and
WHEREAS, Judge Jean -Baptiste is a founding member and past -
president of the Haitian -American Lawyers Association; and
WHEREAS, Judge Jean -Baptiste is also a founding member of the
National Haitian -American Elected Officials Network, the United Front of the Haitian
Diaspora, and the Haitian Congress to Fortify Haiti, an organization which amended the
Haitian Constitution to secure dual citizenship for all people born of Haitian descent
throughout the world; and
129-R-21
WHEREAS, in March 2011, Judge Jean -Baptiste became the first Haitian -
American sworn in as judge by the Illinois Supreme Court; and
WHEREAS, after being appointed to the bench in 2011, Judge Jean -
Baptiste was then elected to serve as a circuit court judge in 2012.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF EVANSTON, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS, THAT:
SECTION 1: The foregoing recitals are hereby found as fact and
incorporated herein by reference.
SECTION 2: On behalf of the entire citizenry of the City of Evanston, the
City Council hereby expresses appreciation for Judge Lionel Jean -Baptiste by
designating that portion of McDaniel Avenue between Crain Street and Dempster Street
"Hon. Lionel Jean -Baptiste Way."
SECTION 3: This Resolution 129-R-21 will be in full force and effect from
and after the date of its passage and approval in the manner provided by law.
Attest: pp
Stephanie Mendoza, City Clerk
Adopted: December 13 2021
Daniel Biss, Mayor
Approved as to form:
Xc/da J E. C6111L inq.s
Nicholas E. Cummings, Corporation Counsel
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