January 19 Is Richard Dockett Day in U City

Richard Dockett, one of the most involved citizens in the area, was honored Monday by the University City City Council. Mayor Shelley Welsch declared Jan. 19, 2013, as Richard Dockett day in University City.

Dockett has attended city and school meetings for years, in addition to his involvement in his neighborhood.

State Rep. Rory Ellinger returned from the state inauguration events in Jefferson City Monday to speak on Dockett's behalf.

"He is a champion for civil rights and equality in this city," Ellinger said. "Pershing School has his stamp on it—he was on the committee."

Ellinger said he came home simply to thank Dockett and honor him for his service to the city.

School District of University City Board of Education President Stacy Clay also spoke of Dockett's influence.

"Without Richard Dockett, there would be no Stacy Clay," he said. "He and others have paved the way for myself and others to achieve and be a part of the U City community. When I was thinking about running for the board, I was told to go speak to Mr. Dockett."

City Councilman Byron Price also spoke about how Dockett helped bring him back to the city council after years away from public office.  

"He is a man of integrity, a man of his word and a man of conviction," Price told the audience. "W hat he tells you he is going to do, he does."

The proclamation from the city reads as follows: 

WHEREAS, Richard Dockett has long served as an example of how to be actively involved in your community and the world; and

WHEREAS, Richard Dockett has worked on behalf of civil rights for everyone for many years; and 

WHEREAS, Richard Dockett volunteered throughout University City for many years; and was most proud of being the President of the Roth Grove Neighborhood Association, the “cradle of civilization” in University City; and

WHEREAS, Richard Dockett worked to protect the history of University City as a charter board member of the Sutter-Meyer Society; and

WHEREAS, Richard Dockett was given a Uniquely University City award from the School District of University City in 2011; and

WHEREAS, Richard Dockett attended hundreds of meetings in University City, including the City Council meetings on a regular basis; and

WHEREAS, Richard Dockett was also active outside of University City, including running for State Representative in 2010; and

NOW THEREFORE, in recognition of his years of active participation in the life of this community, University City Council of the City of University City does hereby proclaim January 19, 2013, as

                     RICHARD DOCKETT DAY

in the City of University City and call upon all citizens to pay special tribute to this very special member of our community.