HR0190 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0190 LRB104 12735 MST 23766 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Audrey Barrett, who passed away on March 2, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Audrey Barrett was born in Chicago on November 6, 1952, and from a young age, she was deeply engaged in cultural preservation and the civil rights movement; and

WHEREAS, Audrey Barrett attended Josephinum High School, and in the early 1960s, she was selected by her father, Andrew Barrett, a successful entrepreneur, to operate the family's grocery store, Little Food Town, located on 16th Street on the West Side of Chicago, which became a gathering place for popular soul musicians, civil rights leaders, and the local community; and

WHEREAS, Audrey Barrett became an active member of the Najwa Dance Corps, establishing a vital cultural connection to Africa; and

WHEREAS, Audrey Barrett was a prominent leader in the Black Panther Party in the 1960s, advocating for the liberation and education of Black American children; and

WHEREAS, Audrey Barrett was a devoted member of New Beginnings Covenant Church on the West Side of Chicago, under the leadership of Pastor Marshall, since the early 1990s; and

WHEREAS, Audrey Barrett was affectionately known as "Mama Rhythms"; she was a trailblazer in martial arts, wellness, and yoga, innovating practices that inspired many in her community; and

WHEREAS, Audrey Barrett served as an arts administrator and leadership developer for over three decades, making a significant impact in stage, television, and film; and

WHEREAS, Audrey Barrett was celebrated for her global contributions to arts and culture, mentoring and empowering future leaders in the creative fields; and

WHEREAS, Audrey Barrett served as an advisory ad hoc board member of the Harold Washington Cultural Center, contributing her expertise and passion for the arts; and

WHEREAS, Audrey Barrett provided invaluable consultation to her son, Bril Barrett, founder and CEO of MADD Rhythms, guiding him toward numerous accolades, including the National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellowship, the Chicagoan of the Year award, the Chicago Dancemaker Forum, and recognition as a New City Top Performer for three consecutive years; and

WHEREAS, Audrey Barrett led efforts to implement safety protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic that positively impacted arts institutions nationwide, resulting in minimal reported cases; and

WHEREAS, Audrey Barrett lived a full life, beloved by many, and leaves behind a legacy of empowerment, creativity, and community service; and

WHEREAS, Audrey Barrett was the proud mother of three children, Bril Barrett, Ja'bowen Dixon, and Star Dixon; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Audrey Barrett 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 Audrey Barrett as an expression of our deepest sympathy.