Title
Declaring September 9th, 2024, as James "Willky" Williams Day in the City of Saint Paul.
Body
WHEREAS, James "Willky" Williams and his family have deep roots in the historically rich Rondo neighborhood of inner-city Saint Paul, where they have been actively involved in fostering a sense of togetherness and community spirit; and
WHEREAS, Willky was a successful entrepreneur who established a CD/Recording studio at 924 Arcade Street in the early 2000s, which became a beloved local hub for music, fashion, and camaraderie, known affectionately as "The Shop;" and
WHEREAS, Willky was passionate about organizing community events, including the renowned Princess Balls, inspired by his love for his youngest daughter, Jaliyah, creating magical experiences that celebrated the bond between fathers and daughters; and
WHEREAS, After transitioning from "The Shop," Willky pursued his passion for cooking by launching a food truck trailer named "The Kitchen" in 2017, serving the community with innovative dishes such as the Turkey Chop, and making a significant impact through his culinary creations; and
WHEREAS, Willky's character and generosity were evident in his unwavering dedication to treating others with kindness and respect, offering advice, and providing support to anyone in need; and
WHEREAS, Willky faced numerous health challenges, including lupus and kidney disease, but approached these obstacles with resilience and optimism; after a kidney transplant and later a diagnosis of stage 4 pancreatic cancer, he continued to inspire others with his determination and positive outlook until his passing on September 24th, 2023; and
WHEREAS, Willky's enduring spirit and contributions have left a lasting impact on the Saint Paul community, and his legacy of compassion, innovation, and community service deserves to be officially recognized; therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Saint Paul City Council honors James "Willky" Williams for his remarkable contributions to the communit...
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