R2024-336 Resolution Designating Honorary Street Name in Honor of the Late Dr. John C. Ellis

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ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM Memo No. 24-18 DATE: October 7, 2024 TO: Honorable Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe and City Council FROM: Tim Gleason, City Manager Cordaryl Patrick, Director of Economic and Community Development Richelle Dunbar, Asst. Dir. of Economic and Community Development SUBJECT: Resolution Designating Honorary Street name in honor of the late Dr. John C. Ellis RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of the attached resolution designating the corner of E. Marietta St. &N. Water St. in honor of Dr. John C. Ellis BACKGROUND: Mr. Ron Wilson of the John C. Ellis#17 Masonic Lodge applied to have Dr. John C. Ellis honored with an honorary street designation at the corner of E. Marietta St&N. Water St. Dr. John C. Ellis was the first black medical doctor in Decatur in the 1920's. He provided medical care for the African American residents for over 30 years. Dr. Ellis was given credit for delivering over 146 newborn babies during his tenure. Dr. Ellis gave medical treatment to those who couldn't afford it during the Great Depression of 1929-1941. In 1920 Dr. Ellis was not only a Doctor of Medicine by the took on the responsibility of making the prince Hall Masons of Decatur a strong force that was respected, even during the years that the city was segregated. As part of their mission members of the lodge gave away meals, food baskets, and clothing giveaways. In 1965 it was approved by the Prince Grand Lodge for the State of Illinois to allow the lodge to rename it the "John C. Ellis Masonic Lodge." A committee comprised of one member from the Decatur City Council, city staff, the Decatur Police Department, a neighborhood organization and the community at large, recommended approval of the designation. STAFF REFERENCE: Additional questions can be forwarded to Richelle Dunbar at(217) 424- 2864 or e-mail: rdunbar(a decaturil.gov. BUDGET & TIME IMPLICATIONS: None