Explanation
Title
To recognize Chuck White on his nearly 50 years of service in sharing news and entertainment with the citizens of Columbus and to congratulate him on his retirement from a storied career at WBNS 10TV.
Body
WHEREAS, Chuck White, serving as a news writer on the hallmark program "Looking with Long," broke the color barrier in 1957 by becoming one of the first African American television journalists in the country; and
WHEREAS, Chuck White's television career at WBNS, which ranged from film editor, continuity writer, director, documentary producer, reporter, talk show and music show host, includes his historic role as Ohio's first black television news anchor, and one of the first in the United States, when he co-anchored the daily 7pm Eyewitness News; and
WHEREAS, his role as "Mr. Tree" on the legendary "Luci's Toy Shop," on which he served as a co-producer and puppeteer, brought joy to hundreds of thousands of children from 1959 till the show's end in 1971, and left an enduring impact on many Central Ohio families; and
WHEREAS, in his role as Director of Public Affairs, Chuck White has led such notable efforts as the Children's Miracle Network Telethon, raising more than $8.1 million in 2006; the WBNS 10TV Food Parade; the county-wide Operation Feed Food Drive sponsored by United Way and the Mid-Ohio FoodBank; and the WBNS 10TV Family Fund, feeding more than 62,961 families and providing 505,976 meals for needy families during the holidays; and
WHEREAS, Chuck White has been a tireless community leader, serving as a charter member of the Columbus Metropolitan Club; a founding board member of the Greater Columbus Arts Council's Arts Festival; founder of the National Broadcast Association for Community Affairs; an Executive Campaign Assistant for the United Way of Franklin County's annual campaign; member of the Mid-Ohio FoodBank Board; and commissioner to establish the National Afro-American History Museum located in Wilberforce; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council does hereby recognize Chuck White, a trusted and honored source of news and entertainment for the citizens of Columbus, and congratulate him on his retirement after nearly 50 years of service to the community.