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1
HOUSE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of 
3Representatives wish to commend The Rockford Anthology for its 
4encapsulation of the City of Rockford, the voices of its 
5people, and its histories; and
 
6    WHEREAS, The City of Rockford, belonging to the 67th 
7District under the leadership of State Representative Maurice 
8A. West II, stands as a proud symbol of resilience, 
9innovation, and community strength within the State of 
10Illinois; and
 
11    WHEREAS, The Rockford Anthology, edited by Rachel León and 
12produced by Arcadia Publishing under its imprint Belt 
13Publishing in October 2025, celebrates the authentic voices, 
14histories, and experiences that define Rockford's people and 
15neighborhoods; and
 
16    WHEREAS, The Rockford Anthology brings together essays, 
17poetry, and reflections from residents, artists, and leaders 
18whose stories explore Rockford's industrial legacy, its 
19cultural transformation, and its ongoing pursuit of equity and 
20opportunity for all; and
 
21    WHEREAS, By uplifting stories from a diverse range of 
 
 
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1contributors, including lifelong residents, immigrants, 
2returning citizens, and emerging youth leaders, The Rockford 
3Anthology offers a portrait of a community that continues to 
4rebuild, reimagine, and inspire; and
 
5    WHEREAS, The Rockford Anthology underscores the shared 
6belief that storytelling is a form of civic engagement, one 
7that deepens public understanding, promotes unity, and 
8strengthens Rockford's cultural identity; and
 
9    WHEREAS, It is fitting that the Illinois House of 
10Representatives highlight the importance of literature and the 
11arts as catalysts for civic dialogue, education, and community 
12pride, particularly in communities such as Rockford that 
13exemplify collaboration and resilience; therefore, be it
 
14    RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE 
15HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that 
16we commend The Rockford Anthology for its outstanding 
17contribution to Illinois literature and for capturing the 
18enduring spirit of the Rockford community; and be it further
 
19    RESOLVED, That we commend Editor Rachel León and all 
20contributing authors for their dedication to telling 
21Rockford's story with honesty, compassion, and hope, and we 
22wish them continued success in advancing community 
 
 
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1storytelling throughout Illinois; and be it further
 
2    RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be 
3presented to Editor Rachel León and Belt Publishing as an 
4expression of our esteem and respect.