SJR6: Joint Resolution Text

LRB-2296/1

PJD:jld:rs

2005 - 2006 LEGISLATURE

2005 Senate JOINT RESOLUTION 6

March 3, 2005 - Introduced by Senators Taylor, Coggs, Plale, Lazich, Miller and Kanavas, cosponsored by Representatives A. Williams, Toles, Young, Turner, Colon, Grigsby, Fields, Cullen, Wasserman, Sinicki, Kessler, Vukmir, Gundrum, Jeskewitz, Pridemore, Pocan, Krawczyk, Lehman, Boyle, Gronemus, Bies, Berceau, Hahn, Lothian, Townsend, Molepske, Seidel, Sheridan and Albers. Referred to Committee on Senate Organization.

SJR6,1,3 Relating to: honoring Ms. Mattiebelle Woods for her devotion to her family, her community, and her city, and celebrating the life and career of a great journalist, activist, and citizen.

SJR6,1,5 Whereas, Mattiebelle Woods was born on October 31, 1902, in Louisville, Kentucky, and died on February 17, 2005, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and

SJR6,1,8 Whereas, Mattiebelle was a leading citizen of the city of Milwaukee for 100 years, and worked more than one-half century as a reporter, journalist, and columnist, earning her the title "The First Lady of the Milwaukee Black Press"; and

SJR6,1,11 Whereas, she was full of life and energy for every one of her 102 years, and remained committed to her duties as the city's oldest poll worker and as the nation's oldest working journalist; and

SJR6,1,14 Whereas, Mattiebelle began writing for the Milwaukee Courier in 1964 and continued until her final "Partyline" column was published the week of her death; and

SJR6,2,3 Whereas, she also wrote for The Chicago Defender, The Milwaukee Star, and Jet Magazine, and was active in many causes, including the March of Dimes, the United Way, the NAACP, the United Negro College Fund, and the Urban League; and

SJR6,2,8 Whereas, Mattiebelle Woods earned a lifetime achievement award from the Wisconsin Black Media Association, was presented with the first honorary degree ever awarded by Milwaukee Area Technical College, and was honored by the Milwaukee Press Club, the NAACP, the National Urban League, and the Top Ladies of Distinction, among others; and

SJR6,2,11 Whereas, Mattiebelle served as a mentor and matriarch for generations of political leaders, helping elect numerous African-American men and women to public office; and

SJR6,2,14 Whereas, she brought the African-American community to life through her journalistic portrayal of Milwaukee's social scene, her political activism, and her dedication to the community and its Black leaders; and

SJR6,2,17 Whereas, she is survived by her daughter, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, but she will be missed by an entire community; now, therefore, be it

SJR6,2,21 Resolved by the senate, the assembly concurring, That the members of the Wisconsin legislature hereby honor Ms. Mattiebelle Woods for her devotion to her family, her community, and her city, and celebrate the life and career of a great journalist, activist, and citizen; and, be it further

SJR6,2,24 Resolved, That the senate chief clerk shall transmit copies of this joint resolution to Ms. Mattiebelle Woods' daughter and to the editor of the Milwaukee Courier.

SJR6,2,25 (End)