Proclamation of Linda McGill Day

June 15 was proclaimed Linda McGill Day by Durham Mayor Steven M. Schewel in 2021 to honor the life and extraordinary contributions of our founder to the city. Linda McGill built Jewelsmith from the ground up beginning in 1976, and became beloved across Durham for her generosity, artistry, and deep commitment to community. The proclamation below is a testament to the lasting impact she had on this city and the people in it.

The above photo of the Proclamation reads:

"Proclamation

Whereas, with the recent passing of Linda McGill, the Durham community lost a wonderful artist, entrepreneur, philanthropist and friend; and

Whereas, Linda played an important role in the creation and sustenance of the progressive community that Durham has become; and

Whereas, Linda grew her business Jewelsmith, from scratch, turning her skills with metal and jewels into a thriving enterprise happily employing many other artists and craftspeople; and

Whereas, Jewelsmith’s rings, bracelets, necklaces, pins and brooches are renowned for their beauty and singularity; and

Whereas, Linda’s generosity extended throughout the Durham community and our state through her financial support and board service with a myriad of non-profit organizations; and

Whereas, Linda McGill’s smile could light up a room; and

Whereas, Linda’s warmth and kindness is well known to all of us who knew her and were fortunate enough to call her a friend; and

Whereas, Linda gave love to many in our community and was beloved by many in return.

Now, therefore, I, Stephen M. Schewel, Mayor of the City of Durham, North Carolina, do hereby proclaim June 15, 2021 as

“Linda McGill Day”

In Durham in loving memory of Linda’s extraordinary contributions to our city and of her many kindnesses, large and small.

Witness my hand, this the 15^th day of June 2021

[signed]

Stephen M. Schewel

Mayor"

Linda's legacy lives on in every piece we create, every client we serve, and every artist who has grown within these walls. We are proud to carry her vision forward, and honored that the City of Durham recognized what so many of us already knew, that Linda McGill made this community more beautiful, more generous, and more itself.