RESOLUTION NO. 211108

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Honoring the lived experience and legacy of Cicely “Cee Cee” Shirley.

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WHEREAS, Cee Cee’s story is one to be told for years to come, as she overcame so much in her short life and her smile lit up a room, her words were powerful and her genuine soul and spunky attitude was a true testament to what the definition of a "Warrior" is; and

WHEREAS, Cee Cee was a beloved daughter, sister and friend to many, however it was being a Mother to her beautiful children that really gave her the fight to truly live!! Cee Cee's story began many years ago, but over the last several years she began to take her life back and become the Advocate she was born to be; and

WHEREAS, Cee Cee and her family had endured so much trauma, loss and pain over the years  that many would have chosen to give up the fight but Cee Cee let this add fuel to her fire and continued to thrive and overcome all things, many told her was impossible; and

WHEREAS, Cee Cee created a "Home" not only for her own children but for any child that was in need of support, love or simply being told "You Matter" and recently achieved one of her lifelong goals obtaining her GED, and gaining employment from University Health "TMC" as a Peer Specialist; and

WHEREAS, Cee Cee recently shared with many of those who were walking alongside her, that she finally felt "ALIVE and Her life was taken from us way too quickly by a selfless act of " Domestic Violence"; and

WHEREAS, Cicely Shirley was a profound voice at the Regional Forum on Houselessness and Northeast Kansas City Housing Solutions Summit, sharing her lived experience of domestic violence, houselessness and persevering to reach stability; NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:

That the Mayor and Council hereby express their profound sorrow on the death of Cicely “Cee Cee” Shirley and offer their thoughts and condolences; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution be spread upon the Minutes of the Council in testimony thereof and that copy hereof be presented to Cee Cee’s family in token of the deep and sincere sympathy and to keep her spirit and story alive.

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