Honorable Dorothy Brown, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, celebrated her historic re-election to a fifth term in office with a public swearing-in and commencement of duties ceremony before an audience of more than 300 guests on December 1, 2016 at the Richard J. Daley Center.
“I am committed to serving Cook County citizens by continuing to shape the Clerk’s Office into a model of excellence in record keeping,” said Clerk Brown. “I am honored to serve the public in this capacity.”
Clerk Brown’s inaugural address spoke of overcoming adversity and having faith and hope. She spoke of finding strength after a difficult year in her career. The challenges she faced, Brown said, “gave me the strength I need to continue to fight for that which is right and to be all that I have been called to be. The strength I need to continue to be a role model of how hard work does pay off.”
Earlier, Brown took the oath of office administered by Cook County Court Chief Judge Timothy Evans and witnessed by Judge Sharon Oden Johnson. All of the employees of the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court were also sworn-in.
Dorothy Brown, the first African-American Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, was first elected into office on November 7, 2000. Her unique qualifications and over 25 years of professional experience have enabled her to significantly reform the Clerk’s Office through focusing on technological advancements, employee training and financial accountability.
Guest speakers included Dr. Janette Wilson, who spoke on behalf of Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr., President, Rainbow PUSH Coalition; Ms. Emma Lozano, Director, Centro Sin Fronteras; Mr. Frank Spula, President, Polish National Alliance; Elder Jeffrey Hodges, Pastor King of Glory Tabernacle Church of God in Christ; Rev. Dr. Marshall Hatch, Senior Pastor, New Mount Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church; Dr. Benton Cook, III; and Rabbi Pinchus Eisenbach.
Perri Small, host of “The Perri Small Show,” on WVON 1690 AM, served as the mistress of ceremonies.
The celebration included special musical performances by Grammy-nominated Gospel Music Artist Jonathan McReynolds.
