Label
Honorary Renaming of Searles Rd.
Hobbs
Title
Dedicating Searles Road from Dorr Street to Nebraska Avenue in Honor of Dr. Crystal Ellis, and declaring an emergency.
Summary
SUMMARY & BACKGROUND:
WHEREAS, Dr. Crystal Ellis dedicated his life to the advancement of our community through outstanding service, visionary leadership, and a deep commitment to education, public health, and civic engagement; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Ellis broke barriers as the first Black man to play basketball at Bowling Green State University, later returning after military service to be named team MVP and serve as team captain; and
WHEREAS, following his honorable service in the U.S. Army, Dr. Ellis continued his commitment to youth development as athletic director of the Indiana Avenue YMCA in Toledo, where he founded and led the Junior Leaders Club, teaching boys essential life skills through sports and outdoor activities; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Ellis devoted his professional career to the Toledo Public School District, beginning as a physical education teacher and coach, and rising through the ranks to become assistant principal, principal, deputy superintendent, and ultimately the first Black superintendent in the district’s history; and
WHEREAS, he championed school safety by initiating legislation that made it illegal to possess deadly weapons on school grounds, a bill passed by the Ohio House and Senate in June 1992; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Ellis was a mentor and role model to generations of students and professionals, advocating tirelessly for equity, inclusion, and opportunity for all; and
WHEREAS, his legacy of service, leadership, and compassion continues to uplift and inspire the City of Toledo and beyond.
NOW, THEREFORE, Be it resolved by the Council of the City of Toledo:
SECTION 1. That the City Council hereby dedicates Searles Road, located between Dorr Street and Nebraska Avenue, in honor of Dr. Crystal Ellis, recognizing his extraordinary contributions to our community.
SECTION 2. That this stretch of Searles Road shall henceforth be known as “Dr. Crystal Ellis Way”, as a lasting tribute to the contributions he made to the community.
SECTION 3. Appropriate signage shall be installed to reflect this dedication, and a public ceremony shall be held to commemorate this occasion.
SECTION 4. That this resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.
Vote on emergency clause: yeas _____, nays _____.
Adopted _________________, as an emergency measure: yeas _____, nays _____.
Attest: ________________________ __________________________________
Clerk of Council President of Council
Approved: _____________________ __________________________________
Mayor
I hereby certify that the above is a true and correct copy of an Ordinance passed by Council ________________________.
Attest: ________________________
Clerk of Council