HomeMy WebLinkAboutRobert Ingram ProclamationWhereas: The City of Miami grieves the sudden death of Miami -Dade School Board member,
Dr. Robert Ingram, a beloved humanitarian hailed as a "dean among Miami's Black elected officials,"
whose predominant sentiment was a deep devotion to the cause of public service; and
Whereas: Widely known for the righteousness of his ministry to the poor, his gift for bridging
communication gaps, his New World Symphony _guest narration, the unabashed pride in his Afncan
heritage and his absolutely impeccable attire, Dr. Bob was a man born in poverty, whose upbringing
was mspired by. the rhythmsand character of Overtown, where he found a vision of community that
modeled responsible citizenship, love for God, respect for mankind and loyalty to country; and
Whereas: Awarded the Nigerian name, Nna Ndi lbo, Father of the Ibos, "Dr. Bob" used his
strengths to decorate the road to the ancestors, merging his name forever with their glory. —teaching
sensitivity to Miami policemen and cultural recollection and rites of passage to youth, arranging cultural
outings with fathers and their children forginglinks with Africa through cultural exchanges, and being
an exemplary Role Model as Chair of the 500Role Models for Excellence Program; and
Whereas: Dr. Bob's life was about service: whether as a volunteer in America's Armed Forces,
as the first City of Miami Black motorcycle police officer as Chief of Police in Opa-Locka, as a
minister, a university educator a City Manager, a Mayor, a School Board member, he embraced the
serious challenges of civil liberties as a sacred pledge, advocating for fundamental changes and
innovations in policies to upgrade the quality of life for everyone creating sacred charms of peace for
the denial of hurts, charms that persist in their benefits, charms of laughter and generosity, teaching us
how to endure, how to bestow honor to God, to parents, to strangers; and
Whereas: Dr. Robert B. Ingram, a man whose life was spent in service to people, a man who
consistently confronted the challenges of the emergencies of his time to act on behalf' of his community,
his heritage, his country, died Wednesday, September 5, 2007, leaving a compellingly powerful legacy
in family, friends and good works:
Now, Therefore Be It Resolved: That the authorities of the City of Miami, in
the State of Florida, on behalf of our citizens, pause in our official deliberations to express solemn
remorse and deepest sympathy to the family of Dr. Robert B. Ingram Nna Ndi Ibo, Father of the Ibos,
to his wife, Delores, his daughters, Tirzah and Tamara, his grandchildren, other bereaved family
colleagues and friends, invoking the greatness of "Lost Ibos" and recording this tribute to the memory of
Miami s noble warrior for human dignity, for, in venerating his legacy, we cradle the glory of a brilliant
and eloquent servant of the people,
Man oFthe people
gie Xii0aek eY,tan4
[1936-2007]
In Witness Whereof: I hereunto set my hand and cause the seal of the City of Miami to be affixed.
Done: In the Office of the Mayor of the City of Miami, Florida.
September 14, 2007
Manuel A. Diaz, Mayor
Angel Gonzalez, Commission Chair
Joe Sanchez -commission Vice Chaair
Tomas Regalado, Commissioner
Michelle Spence Jones, Commissioner
Marc D. Sarnoff, Commissioner