SR0740 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0740 LRB101 15017 MST 64056 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Merlin Kennedy; and

WHEREAS, Merlin Kennedy was a civil rights activist, a community leader, and a past president of the Bloomington/Normal branch of the NAACP; he was extremely passionate about the success of the local branch of the NAACP; and

WHEREAS, Merlin Kennedy was best known for his efforts related to the Fair Housing Act in Bloomington-Normal; he worked tirelessly to assist the disenfranchised, ostracized, and the down-trodden; and

WHEREAS, Merlin Kennedy was also known for appearing in a Santa Claus suit during a city council meeting, protesting the "One Santa Rule"; he was adamant about having a Black Santa in his community and appeared in Jet magazine for his resistance to racism and discrimination; and

WHEREAS, Merlin Kennedy was an icon and a great supporter of the NAACP; he kept the NAACP relevant and engaged with the community, which propelled the NAACP to thrive in the Bloomington-Normal community; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Merlin Kennedy and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Merlin Kennedy as an expression of our deepest sympathy.