In 2002, Illinois State Representative Karen Yarbrough was a familiar face in District 91, visiting many of the schools in town. She shared with the students how a bill becomes a law, and the students suggested she make a law that allows cell phone use in class. She also talked to the students about African American inventors, in recognition of Black History Month. Karen Yarbrough would go on to become the Cook County Recorder of Deeds and now serves as the Cook County Clerk. She oversees vital records, maintains real estate maps, issues property tax rates and administers elections. Karen Yarbrough is Cook County’s first African American and female clerk.
