IL SR0859

Honors Ora A. Higgins, who died on July 25, 2012, at age 101, surrounded by family.

Recognizes her service as the first African-American personnel director for Spiegel's, Inc., where she integrated the workforce and taught executives about diversity and eliminating racial barriers.

Acknowledges her founding of the Ora Higgins Youth Foundation in 1976, which awarded over $500,000 in scholarships to Chicago-area high school graduates and recognized outstanding community leaders.

Notes her leadership roles in civil rights, professional, and community organizations, including serving as national chairperson for Women in Industry, and her numerous awards including the Distinguished Service Award from Tuskegee Institute.

Acknowledges she was the great-great-aunt of First Lady Michelle Obama and is survived by her daughter Dr. Murrell Higgins Duster, son Rev. William "Chico" Higgins, and 42 descendants across four generations.