HR0517 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0517 LRB096 13252 GRL 27914 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are proud to recognize individuals that have contributed to the welfare of the State of Illinois and its citizens or have distinguished themselves through significant personal achievement; and

WHEREAS, Sullie Eugene Palmer Sr. was born in Chicago on July 29, 1918; his parents were Earl Sr. and Laurinda Palmer; and

WHEREAS, Sullie Palmer attended Smith Elementary School and then pursued a career in prize fighting; at the same time, he played for the "Brown Bombers", a semi-pro Negro League baseball team; he later toured as a member of the Harlem Globetrotters; and

WHEREAS, Sullie Palmer served his country with pride and distinction as a member of the United States Air Force from 1946 until his honorable discharge; following his discharge, he was employed at the Dana Corporation, with a second job at the ABC Youth Center; and

WHEREAS, Sullie Palmer devoted great amounts of time and effort to being a positive role model and mentor to thousands of young people at the ABC Youth Center and on the West Side of Chicago, helping countless people find their way when they were at their lowest all the way until his passing in November of 2008; and

WHEREAS, On July 14, 1943, Sullie Palmer Sr. married Gladys Louise Jackson, who preceded him in death; together, they had 3 children, Brenda Hopson, Sullie E. Palmer Jr., and Sharon Palmer; in addition to his children, he also left behind 2 sisters, a stepbrother, 7 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and

WHEREAS, A plaque will be placed at the Chicago Youth Centers' ABC Polk Brothers Center on June 13, 2009 at 7:00 P.M. in honor of Sullie Palmer's hard work, integrity, and dedication to the people of North Lawndale and the State of Illinois; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we designate the date of June 13, 2009 as "Sullie Palmer Day" in the State of Illinois in honor of the life and legacy of Sullie Eugene Palmer; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Sullie Palmer Sr. as a symbol of our esteem and respect.