Resignation
“There are times when people feel discouraged and think “why bother”. There are times people retreat into a shell. Then the citizenry rises up, demands change and dares to challenge its government… When Evanstonians find that many of their problems are the same, Evanston’s revelation will begin! We can become stronger. We will move forward or we will destroy ourselves”
This is the opening statement of a speech my Great Aunt Edna before she was forced to resign as Township Supervisor in 1991 after three decades of public service to this city.
It’s 2021, Edna and I are still hopeful that Evanstonians move forward and grow stronger.
I joined council to help improve the city I love, the city my family migrated to in the late 1800s.
While there has been some success during my time on the council, ultimately this role is not conducive to the impact I wanted to have.
With the death of my mother, I have been reminded that life is short. We forget that as we are busy living. My mother was a fighter and unfortunately, she usually only had time to fight for her own life against the many systems designed to keep her oppressed.
I am a manifestation of her dreams. I have the financial privilege that affords me the opportunity to use her spirit of advocacy in any arena I choose, particularly ones that value my opinion and add to the limited joy the world thinks I deserve as a Black woman.
I love Evanston; it is the home of my ancestors. My family has given 4 generations of service to this city and I’m honored to round out that legacy of integrity. However, like my Great Aunt Edna, it’s time for my resignation.
The expectations of residents, requirement of my time, unhealthy work culture of city hall, and unproductive tension on the dais have negatively impacted me. My mother was a fighter, but she also wanted her daughter to have the opportunity she never had
to balance the never-ending fight with the needed rest,
to put myself before others,
and to buck the stereotype that my worth in this world is only as “a strong Black woman” able to carry and repair burdens I didn’t create only to be rewarded with a reality that is 300% more likely to die from a heart attack than a white women.
It’s time to put myself first, Unapologetically.
Thank you 9th Ward residents for entrusting me with being your advocate.
My last day of service to Evanston will be January 31, 2022.
Your neighbor,
Cicely
Per city council rules, the Mayor will be selecting someone to fill my vacancy. An email will be sent shortly laying out the process he will use to do so and role I will play to assist him. I hope many will consider stepping up. Our democracy is only as good as those willing to serve.
