HR0469 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0469 LRB100 13004 MST 27330 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to recognize Dr. Walt Whitman and the Soul Children of Chicago as they celebrate 35 years of being a successful arts program with proven results of engaging children and helping to turn them into globally responsible leaders; and

WHEREAS, The Soul Children of Chicago was established in 1981, starting with one man and 22 children; Dr. Whitman developed a world class performance group with a single-minded purpose: to utilize music as the motivator and catalyst to inspire young people throughout the world to have faith in themselves, each other, and God; the objective is to "Educate the Minds, Elevate the Spirits, and Illuminate the Souls of Our Youth; and

WHEREAS, The Spiritual and professional discipline of Dr. Whitman forms the foundation and reason for the standard of excellence set forth and continuously achieved in every aspect of the Soul Children; this is the driving force behind their vocal and performance skills; it builds character and creates servant leaders of integrity in education, family, business, arts and entertainment, government, religion, and media; and

WHEREAS, Over the years, Soul Children has touched the lives of thousands of Chicago youth who have traveled and performed with the group; this organization has played an important role in serving Chicago youth from some of the toughest areas in the city, helping to turn them into successful men and women; the Englewood-based organization serves children aged seven to 17 from all over Chicago and suburban Cook County; the organization's music and reach is so expansive that it has encouraged the creation of more than 100 Soul Children choirs around the world; and

WHEREAS, To this day, Dr. Whitman and the Soul Children of Chicago continue to serve the community as a non-denominational, non-profit, educational organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of our youth; the Soul Children remain passionate and committed to being the change they desire to create; they lead with integrity and authenticity, consistently embracing new challenges, promoting peace and happiness, and inspiring people all over the world; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize Dr. Walt Whitman and the Soul Children of Chicago as they celebrate 35 years of being a successful arts program, and we wish them many mores successful years; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Soul Children of Chicago as a symbol of our respect and esteem.