HR0900 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0900 LRB097 20965 KXB 68165 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans will present the annual "Dante Award" on May 17, 2012 to Stella Foster, columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times; and

WHEREAS, "Stella's Column," which debuted in the Chicago Sun-Times on December 2, 2003, is one of the newspaper's most popular columns; the column's popularity is a testimony to its writer, Chicago journalist Stella Foster, who has enjoyed a career as a writer, broadcaster, and as the long-time assistant to the late Irv Kupcinet; "Stella's Column," which runs every Tuesday and Thursday, reflects Stella's personality, zest for life, compassion, and love of people; and

WHEREAS, The column is multiethnic, multigenerational, and covers a broad interest base; it also publicizes charitable events, particularly those that benefit causes that are close to her heart, like child abuse, teenage pregnancy, and women's issues; and

WHEREAS, Her current status as a highly-respected journalist began in August of 1969 when her sister told her that the legendary Irv Kupcinet was looking for a new secretary; she interviewed for the position and was hired; and

WHEREAS, For 34 years, she was Kup's assistant, confidante, organizer, and the glue that kept the column alive and vibrant; her writing career was officially launched in the mid 1980s, when her brother-in-law approached her about writing for Sister 2 Sister, a national entertainment magazine; without the benefit of formal journalistic training, she penned the monthly entertainment column titled "Starlights by Stella" that featured celebrity news; and

WHEREAS, When the Sun-Times' editorial page featured Personal Views, she contributed and expounded on a variety of topics that piqued readers' curiosity and elicited diverse opinions; she took her "act" to television when Fox News approached her about being a morning commentator; the weekly segment, titled, "Stella Sez," featured a mix of newsy nuggets that captivated viewers during the year it was on the air; and

WHEREAS, As Kup began to age, his health began to deteriorate and he was in the office less frequently; to keep the column alive, she began assuming the bulk of the writing duties; the Sun-Times recognized her contribution by giving her a byline at the end of the column, and eventually gave her co-writing credits; when Kup died on November 10, 2003, she was widely heralded as one of the women behind his success; and

WHEREAS, She is a humanitarian who promotes organizations whose missions parallel causes that are dear to her heart; she uses the power and pull of her column to galvanize her readers and friends around these issues; she has been profiled in Chicago Magazine, Today's Chicago Woman, N'Digo Magapaper, Rolling Out, and the Chicago Defender; and

WHEREAS, She is the recipient of numerous awards including the "Promises Fulfilled Award" from South Central Community Services, a Communications Award from the 100 Black Men of Chicago, the Archibald Motley Excellence in Arts Award from the Englewood Committee, Mt. Sinai's Parenting Institute's African Village Award, the Torch for Journalism from Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, the "Making A Difference Award" from the Rainbow PUSH Coalition as a Woman of Distinction, the State of Illinois African-American Media Award from the Illinois Secretary of State's Office, the African-American History Service Award from Sixth Grace Presbyterian Church, the A. Philip Randolph Gentle Warrior Award, and the "Shero" Award for Career Achievement from NABFEME; and

WHEREAS, She has been saluted by the Midwest Radio and Music Association, hailed as a "Phenomenal Woman" by the Expo for Today's Black Woman, and earned awards from the Chicago Black Public Relations Society and the National Council of Negro Women; she was also presented the Irv Kupcinet Media Giant Award, named in honor of her late friend and mentor; and

WHEREAS, She is a member of the Chicago Association of Black Journalists, the Association of Women Journalists, the Press Club, the Chicago Journalists Association, and the Chicago Press Veterans; she has appeared on WVON, and has been a guest on numerous other media outlets; she enjoys reading, watching television, dancing, and listening to rhythm and blues; she also enjoys downtime with her family, whom she values and cherishes; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Stella Foster on being named the recipient of the 2012 Dante Award, presented by the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans, for her dedication, service, and inspiration in the field of reporting; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Stella Foster as a symbol our respect and esteem.