SR0559 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0559 LRB103 33024 ECR 62831 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Alice Palmer, who passed away on May 25, 2023 at the age of 83; and

WHEREAS, Alice Palmer was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on June 20, 1939; she attended Indiana University as an undergraduate before moving to Chicago, where she received her master's degree from Roosevelt University and a doctorate from Northwestern University; and

WHEREAS, Alice Palmer co-authored two books on adult literacy during her time at Northwestern University; she also tutored at Northwestern University's Black House, a longtime hub for Black student life; and

WHEREAS, Alice Palmer taught at Malcolm X College, where she met her husband, Buzz Palmer; they held the first fundraiser for Harold Washington's mayoral campaign; they also co-founded the Black Press Institute and started an international news digest, the Black Press Review; and

WHEREAS, Alice Palmer served as a member of the Illinois Senate from 1991 through 1997; she was credited with helping launch President Barack Obama's political career after supporting him as the best choice to fill her vacated Senate seat when she ran for Congress; and

WHEREAS, Alice Palmer helped organize the 1980s anti-apartheid movement in Chicago; during a protest, she and others held an anti-apartheid poster that she later presented to South African President Nelson Mandela; and

WHEREAS, Alice Palmer enjoyed watching classic movies and BBC mysteries; she also collected antique teddy bears; and

WHEREAS, Alice Palmer is survived by her son, David Robinson; her daughter, Zella Palmer; her stepdaughter, Lisa Palmer; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Alice Palmer and extend our sincere condolences to her family, friends, and all who knew and loved her; and be it further

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