HR0386 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

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HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to honor extraordinary events of the State and those who celebrate them; and

WHEREAS, Timuel Black was born in Birmingham, Alabama, on December 7, 1918, but was raised in Chicago, a place he loves to call home; he is a revered and highly respected educator, political activist, community leader, oral historian, and philosopher; and

WHEREAS, After matriculating from Burke Elementary School and DuSable High School in Chicago, Timuel Black enrolled at Roosevelt University, where he received his bachelor's degree; he later earned a master's degree from the University of Chicago; and

WHEREAS, After being drafted into the Army during World War II, Timuel Black returned to school and became a social worker; he has taught at a variety of high schools as well as colleges and universities; he is a pioneer in the independent black political movement and coined the phrase "end plantation politics"; he is one of the top researchers on the topic of the Great Migration and race relations in Chicago; and

WHEREAS, Timuel Black served as an advisor to Martin Luther King Jr. throughout the 1960s and helped organize the Chicago contingent to join the March on Washington; he was also a prominent member of Mayor Harold Washington's administration and campaign; and

WHEREAS, Timuel Black's legacy has inspired many to follow their passions and work on behalf of social justice; he is also the first recipient of the city of Chicago's Champion of Freedom award; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize Timuel Black for his many achievements and wish him great success and happiness in the future; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Timuel Black as a symbol of our esteem and respect.