Title
To honor the life and legacy of Charles A. Thompkins, Sr., 1963-2026
Body
WHEREAS, Charles A. Thompkins, Sr. was born on December 24, 1963, and dedicated more than five decades of his life to serving the residents of the Milo-Grogan neighborhood and Greater Columbus community with unwavering compassion, vision, and faith; and
WHEREAS, although born in Cambridge, Ohio, Charles was raised in Milo-Grogan, where his lifelong commitment to community began at just thirteen years old through acts of kindness including helping neighbors with yard work, snow removal, and caring for those in need; and
WHEREAS, affectionately known as the “Mayor of Milo,” Charles organized and supported countless neighborhood initiatives, including Milo-Fest, the Milo-Grogan Adopt-A-Family Christmas Toy Drive, community celebrations, and neighborhood revitalization efforts that strengthened the fabric of Milo-Grogan for generations; and
WHEREAS, as Chair of the Milo-Grogan Area Commission and Chair of the Milo-Grogan Foundation, which he co-founded with his wife, Charles championed affordable housing, neighborhood investment, and partnerships that transformed lives and created lasting opportunities for residents; and
WHEREAS, through his leadership and collaboration with community partners, Charles helped secure nearly $8 million to rehabilitate a neighborhood apartment community, culminating in its renaming as Thompkins Village in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to housing and neighborhood revitalization; and
WHEREAS, Charles’ lifelong dedication earned him numerous honors, including the Jefferson Award for Community Activism in 2019 and the Key to the City of Columbus, recognizing his immeasurable impact on the city he loved; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS: that Columbus City Council extends its deepest condolences to the Thompkins family, friends, and the entire Milo-Grogan community, and expresses its profound gratitud...
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