HR0216 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0216 LRB094 11720 HSS 43624 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, State Representative Monique Davis and the members of the House of Representatives of the State of Illinois learned with great sadness of the death of Meshach Silas on Monday, February 21, 2005; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Silas was a native of Mississippi and was one of Chicago's busiest musicians; he was a founding member, lead percussionist, and stage director of Funkadesi, a group dedicated to a fusion of black diasporic and East Indian music; he was also the co-founder, with his wife, Nahgeree Sutton, of the Minianka African Drum and Dance Ensemble; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Silas also served as a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, teacher, arranger, composer, and session musician with SPIRITS, the Art Ensemble of Chicago, Muntu Dance Theater, 911 Reggae, Katalyst, and Keith Eric & Waterhouse; and

WHEREAS, Always the student, Mr. Silas had traveled to West Africa, Brazil, Cuba, the Virgin Islands, and Europe to learn different percussion instruments and techniques; the song "Sewa" from Funkadesi's "Uncut Roots" album showcased his virtuosity, singing, and playing all percussion; and

WHEREAS, He had recently been teaching at the Betty Shabazz International Charter School on Chicago's South Side; and

WHEREAS, Meshach Silas was known for his need to empower his community through wholeheartedly embracing African art and culture; he had a fierce love and conviction and wanted to create a community among people of all socioeconomic classes, races, and backgrounds; and

WHEREAS, The passing of Meshach Silas has been deeply felt by many, especially his wife, Nahgeree Sutton; his daughters, Lakeisha, Femi, and Noni; and his son, Jeremiah; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Meshach Silas, and we extend our deepest sympathy 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 his family as an expression of our sincere condolences.