The mayor of Tacoma occasionally issues a proclamation designating a day to honor a city resident of note.

The one recognized during the Tacoma City Council’s Feb. 16 meeting is clearly a resident of note, one who sang a number of beautiful notes after Mayor Marilyn Strickland proclaimed that Feb. 21 will be Crystal Aiken Day in the city of Tacoma.

Aiken was one of four women nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year for the Stellar Awards, the most prestigious recognition in gospel music. She was nominated for her standout, self-titled album. Last month, the winners were announced. In this category the winner is Vickie Winans, a member of gospel music’s most prominent family. For anyone to be considered in the same echelon of talent is an honor.

Of course, people around the nation became aware of Aiken’s talent in 2007, when she won the “Sunday’s Best” competition on Black Entertainment Television.

Ever since she was a little girl Aiken wanted to sing and use her

wonderful voice to carry the gospel of Jesus Christ to others. A humble woman, she never expected back then that people around the city, much less across the United States, would pay so much attention.

Councilmember Victoria Woodards noted that Aiken was the Afro-Princess during her time at Foss.

“She is just an incredibly gifted woman,” Woodards said. “We are all so proud.”

Indeed, we all are.