HR0935 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0935 LRB103 43259 MST 76542 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Dr. Makita Khem Kheperu, who passed away on October 23, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Kheperu was born in Harvey to Annette and Roy Shabazz on September 8, 1969; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Kheperu had an outstanding career in the field of Black education, beginning as a teacher's assistant for the New Concept Development Center before transitioning into the Betty Shabazz Charter School family, where she would cement her impact as a keystone of Black Chicago education via decades of gold-standard work as a teacher, principal, curriculum director, and superintendent; during this time, she continued to model academic and professional excellence, obtaining a master's degree from DePaul University and her doctorate in Urban Education and Leadership from the University of Illinois Chicago; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Kheperu, affectionately known as "Mama Makita", was known for her warmth, radiant smile, and unending dedication to the development of Black youth, yet her most significant accomplishment was raising her four brilliant children, whom she held as her pride and joy; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Kheperu was kind, brilliant, and generous and made every person she met feel that they were valued, considered, and understood; from hosting schoolwide sleepovers to coordinating international field trips, survival camp outings, or midnight emergency room visits, she made it all look easy; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Kheperu was preceded in death by her grandmother, Elinor Vinyard; her aunt, Barbara Johnson; her father, Roy Shabazz; her niece, Maa-Kara Khepra; and many other loved ones; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Kheperu is survived by her children, Jihad Kheperu, Mekhakhem Kheperu, Sunankhem Kheperu, and Subrianakhem Kheperu; her children-in-love, Hahety "Lesedikhem" Taylor and Desmond Owusu; her mother, Annette Shabazz; her brother, Lance Williams; her cousin-best friend, Tharon Johnson; and numerous family, friends, students, and community members; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Dr. Makita Khem Kheperu 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 Dr. Kheperu as an expression of our deepest sympathy.