title
Proclamation expressing sympathy on the passing of Maida Springer Kemp and recognizing her for her impact on this community and its citizens.
body
WHEREAS, Allegheny County has been fortunate enough to have been home to individuals such as Maida Springer Kemp who have dedicated their lives to enhancing the quality of life in our community, the nation, and worldwide; and
WHEREAS, Maida Springer Kemp, through a life of advocacy for organized labor in the United States and abroad, came to embody faith in the concepts of fair wages and humane working conditions for generations of workers throughout the world; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Springer Kemp's profound dedication to human dignity was amply demonstrated by her lifelong commitment to and passion for her work; and
WHEREAS, she gave expression to her unwavering devotion to humanitarian concerns through endeavors as diverse as starting an exchange program that allowed African students to study at Harvard University, establishing a trade school in Kenya specifically to broaden the scope of opportunities available to women, setting up a post-secondary scholarship for girls in Tanzania, and founding the Maida Fund to help agricultural workers in East Africa further their educations; and
WHEREAS, although our community grieves at the passing of an individual who so completely personified compassion and community spirit, we know that she will always be remembered in Allegheny County and throughout the world, and we join with her son Eric, her two grandchildren and her five great-grandchildren in honoring this woman who made such an impact;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Allegheny County Council does hereby recognize Ms. Maida Springer Kemp for her impact on this community and its citizens. Maida's commitment serves as an inspiration to us all and, while we cannot hope to replace her, we can honor her memory by commending and emulating the spirit of her dedication.