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1		HOUSE RESOLUTION
2		WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of
3		Representatives are pleased to honor Stella Foster, author of
4		"Stella's Column" in the Chicago Sun-Times, for her work in
5		journalism; and
6		WHEREAS, "Stella's Column," which debuted in the Chicago
7		Sun-Times on December 2, 2003, is one of the newspaper's most
8		popular columns; it's popularity is a testimony to it's writer,
9		Chicago journalist Stella Foster, who has enjoyed a career as a
10		writer, broadcaster, and as the long-time assistant to the late
11		Irv Kupcinet; "Stella's Column," which runs every Tuesday and
12		Thursday, reflects Stella's personality, zest for life,
13		compassion, and love of people; and
14		WHEREAS, The column is multiethnic, multigenerational, and
15		covers a broad interest base; it also publicizes charitable
16		events, particularly those that benefit causes that are close
17		to Stella's heart, like child abuse, teenage pregnancy, and
18		women's issues; and
19		WHEREAS, Her current status as a highly-respected
20		journalist began in August of 1969 when her sister told her
21		that the legendary Irv Kupcinet was looking for a new
22		secretary; she interviewed for the position and was hired; and

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1		WHEREAS, For 34 years, Stella was Kup's assistant,
2		confidante, organizer, and the glue that kept the column alive
3		and vibrant; her writing career was officially launched in the
4		mid 1980s, when her brother-in-law approached her about writing
5		for Sister 2 Sister, a national entertainment magazine; without
6		the benefit of formal journalistic training, she penned the
7		monthly entertainment column titled "Starlights by Stella"
8		that featured celebrity news; and
9		WHEREAS, When the Sun Times' editorial page featured
10		Personal Views, Stella contributed and expounded on a variety
11		of topics that piqued readers' curiosity and elicited diverse
12		opinions; she took her "act" to television when Fox News
13		approached her about being a morning commentator; the weekly
14		segment, titled, "Stella Sez," featured a mix of newsy nuggets
15		that captivated viewers during the year it was on the air; and
16		WHEREAS, As Kup began to age, his health began to
17		deteriorate and he was in the office less frequently; to keep
18		the column alive, Stella began assuming the bulk of the writing
19		duties; the Sun Times recognized her contribution by giving her
20		a byline at the end of the column, and eventually gave her
21		co-writing credits; when Kup died on November 10, 2003, Stella
22		was widely heralded as one of the women behind his success; and

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1		WHEREAS, She is a humanitarian who promotes organizations
2		whose missions parallel causes that are dear to her heart; she
3		uses the power and pull of her column to galvanize her readers
4		and friends around these issues; she has been profiled in
5		Chicago Magazine, Today's Chicago Woman, N'Digo Magapaper,
6		Rolling Out, and the Chicago Defender; and
7		WHEREAS, She is the recipient of numerous awards including
8		the "Promises Fulfilled Award" from South Central Community
9		Services, a Communications Award from the 100 Black Men of
10		Chicago, the Archibald Motley Excellence in Arts Award from the
11		Englewood Committee, Mt. Sinai's Parenting Institute's African
12		Village Award, the Torch for Journalism from Sigma Gamma Rho
13		Sorority, the "Making A Difference Award" from Rainbow PUSH
14		Coalition as a Woman of Distinction, the State of Illinois
15		African-American Media Award from the Illinois Secretary of
16		State's Office, the African-American History Service Award
17		from Sixth Grace Presbyterian Church, the A. Philip Randolph
18		Gentle Warrior Award, and the "Shero" Award for Career
19		Achievement from NABFEME; and
20		WHEREAS, She has been saluted by the Midwest Radio and
21		Music Association, hailed as a "Phenomenal Woman" by the Expo
22		for Today's Black Woman, and earned awards from the Chicago
23		Black Public Relations Society and the National Council of
24		Negro Women; she was also presented the Irv Kupcinet Media

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1		Giant Award, named in honor of her late friend and mentor; and
2		WHEREAS, She is a member of the Chicago Association of
3		Black Journalists, the Association of Women Journalists, the
4		Press Club, the Chicago Journalists Association, and the
5		Chicago Press Veterans; she has appeared on WVON, and has been
6		a guest on numerous other media outlets; she enjoys reading,
7		watching television, dancing, and listening to rhythm and
8		blues; she also enjoys downtime with her family, whom she
9		values and cherishes; therefore, be it
10		RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE
11		NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that
12		we honor Stella Foster for her hard work in journalism and the
13		value she has brought to the City of Chicago and the State of
14		Illinois; and be it further
15		RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
16		presented to Stella Foster as a symbol of our respect and
17		esteem.