SR1002 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1002 LRB103 40765 LAW 73594 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Rickye Denise "Rikki" Jones, who passed away on April 21, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Rikki Jones was born to Mercedes Jones and Willis Jones in Chicago on August 12, 1950; she was raised by her grandparents, Marie and Wilbur Williams, and her aunt, Patricia "Pat" Williams; she attended St. Martin Catholic School and graduated from St. Thomas the Apostle High School in Hyde Park; she pursued higher education at Illinois Benedictine College and spent a semester at sea through Chapman College, studying and traveling in Asia; she later obtained her master's degree from the University of Phoenix; and

WHEREAS, Rikki Jones was a beloved educator, a passionate community activist, and a tireless champion of political empowerment; her teaching career spanned many years at the City Colleges of Chicago and the Chicago Public School system, where her deep passion and love for young children were evident in her unwavering availability and willingness to help whenever and however she could, remaining dedicated to uplifting others through education and advocacy; and

WHEREAS, Throughout her life, Rikki Jones was at the forefront of the fight for rights and opportunities, beginning at the age of 17 when she became involved with Operation Breadbasket, organized by the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and later transformed into Operation PUSH, and the Black Panther Party Breakfast Program; and

WHEREAS, Rikki Jones' passion for civic engagement led to 34 years of leadership with the Cook County Democratic Women, an organization committed to advancing women's rights and political representation; she was responsible for launching the careers of various political leaders, as well as advocating for numerous campaigns, including Mayor Harold Washington, U.S. Senator Carol Mosley Braun, President Barack Obama, Associate Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson of the U.S. Supreme Court, Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch of the Illinois House of Representatives, and many more; she attended the 1996 Democratic National Convention after serving as a volunteer worker on President Bill Clinton's campaign and was chosen as a delegate for the 2024 Democratic National Convention in support for President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris; and

WHEREAS, Rikki Jones was a regular guest speaker on such WVON shows as the Cliff Kelly Show and the Perri Small Show, where she advocated for her community and provided helpful information; and

WHEREAS, Rikki Jones was the recipient of several accolades during her life, including the Dunbar Vocational Career Academy Service Award; she was further honored by Cook County Clerk Dorothy Brown and U.S. Senator Dick Durbin as well as at the Power Rising Conference; and

WHEREAS, Rikki Jones committed to her faith at an early age, being baptized at Holy Immanuel Episcopal Church as an infant; she served as an active member in Sunday school and the children's choir, participating in all church pageants; as an adult, she was baptized at Maryland Avenue Missionary Baptist Church, where she served as youth director for many years; she was a dedicated member of Pleasant Gift Missionary Baptist Church, serving on the boards of trustees and nursing, working in the youth group, serving as a Sunday school teacher, and leading a special project for the outreach ministry; and

WHEREAS, Rikki Jones deeply loved her family and was affectionately known as "Aunt Rikki" to all of her younger family members; she shared a special bond with her Aunt Pat and adored her cousins, Ann Marie and Joy, who were like sisters; and

WHEREAS, Rikki Jones made an indelible mark on her community; she will be remembered for her unwavering commitment to social justice and equality, inspiring generations to come; and

WHEREAS, Rikki Jones was preceded in death by her grandparents; her parents; and her brothers, Kenneth (Val) Wilbur and Wayne (Ann) Vincent; and

WHEREAS, Rikki Jones is survived by her aunt; her nieces and nephews, Marie, Nicole, Vincent, Kenneth, and Autumn; her cousins; her great-cousins, Jonathan, Jeremy, Olivia, Kathryn, and Alexander; her great-nephews, Rahaman, Rahsul, and Rahfeeq; her great-nieces, Noa and Hannah; her special friends, Reverend Krista Alston and her extended family; and a host of family, friends, students, her church family, and the political community; 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 Rickye Denise "Rikki" Jones 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 Rikki Jones as an expression of our deepest sympathy.