HR1254 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1254 LRB097 23069 MST 71883 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, State Representative Monique D. Davis and the Illinois House of Representatives wish to commend and congratulate Reverend Oscar Walden, Jr. on the celebration of the opening of The Oscar Walden, Jr. Exhibit on Wrongful Convictions; and

WHEREAS, The Oscar Walden, Jr. Exhibit on Wrongful Convictions will be held on Thursday, October 4th, 2012, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at The Chicago Theological Seminary; and

WHEREAS, In 1952, Rev. Oscar Walden, Jr. was falsely accused, jailed, convicted, and served almost 14 years in prison for a crime he did not commit; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Oscar Walden, Jr. earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from Chicago State University, served as minister at Quinn Chapel AME Church, Mt. Zion AME Church, became a playwright, authored several books, and composed music for the drama "Skipper", based on the life of Milton Lee Olive III; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Oscar Walden, Jr. now ministers to prisoners around the world through the People's Courts of Final Appeal International World Outreach Global Ministry; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Oscar Walden, Jr. never gave up the fight to prove his innocence; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that commend Rev. Oscar Walden, Jr. on his struggle to prove his innocence and congratulate him on the opening of The Oscar Walden, Jr. Exhibit on Wrongful Convictions; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Rev. Oscar Walden, Jr. as an expression of our esteem and respect.