Title
To honor, recognize and celebrate the life of Linda Kanney, 1949-2023
Body
WHEREAS, Linda Kanney was born on January 8, 1949 in Huntington, West Virginia; and
WHEREAS, Linda spent her childhood in West Virginia before coming to Columbus, where she enrolled in classes at Columbus State and Franklin University; and
WHEREAS, Linda was a passionate advocate who dedicated all of herself to others, with a particular focus on improving the lives of Central Ohio’s Black women and girls; and
WHEREAS, Linda advanced this mission through countless organizations, most notably the YWCA, where she served in several leadership roles at the local and national level, and as the chartering president of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. Central Ohio Chapter; and
WHEREAS, Linda was recognized for her work with several prestigious awards, including the Walter and Marion English Martin Luther King Racial Justice Award, the 2021 YWCA Woman of Achievement Award, and the International Women’s Day Starfish Award; and
WHEREAS, outside of her activism, Linda was a beloved member of the Columbus community who regularly hosted holiday parties with 30+ guests, where she was always the first one on the dance floor after serving a legendary meal, and a loving parent, grandparent, friend, and loved one; and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus extends its sincere condolences to the friends and family of Linda Kanney, including her husband Fredrick, children Francine and Cameron, siblings Dwane and Ernest, five grandchildren, scores of nieces, nephews, and cousins, and countless other loved ones; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS: That this Council does hereby honor, recognize, and celebrate the life of Linda Kanney.