HR0640 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0640 LRB104 20477 RMO 33947 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to recognize those individuals and organizations that demonstrate an unwavering commitment to the revitalization of Illinois communities and the empowerment of our youth; and

WHEREAS, Southside Blooms, a project of the nonprofit Chicago Eco House, was founded by Quilen and Hannah Blackwell with a vision to bring hope, healing, and economic opportunity to neighborhoods on the South and West Sides of Chicago; and

WHEREAS, Southside Blooms has pioneered a "farm-to-vase" model that transforms formerly abandoned and vacant city lots in Englewood, Woodlawn, Washington Park, Pilsen, and West Garfield Park into thriving, solar-powered, pesticide-free flower farms; and

WHEREAS, Southside Blooms is an innovative social enterprise that provides critical workforce development and jobs for at-risk youth ages 16 to 24, offering a "pipeline for youth" that includes partnerships with Cook County Juvenile Probation to help formerly incarcerated young people reintegrate into society through merit-based employment; and

WHEREAS, Southside Blooms equips young leaders with essential life and professional skills, including conflict resolution, timeliness, and teamwork, while paying a living wage and providing a pathway to management roles; and

WHEREAS, Southside Blooms serves as a model of environmental stewardship by utilizing regenerative farming practices, avoiding floral foam, composting waste, and using compostable packaging to serve the $35 billion U.S. floral industry with local, sustainable alternatives; and

WHEREAS, On June 30, 2021, Southside Blooms celebrated the opening of its first stand-alone brick-and-mortar shop at 6250 South Morgan Street in Englewood, marking a milestone in the neighborhood's commercial revitalization; and

WHEREAS, The work of Southside Blooms has earned national acclaim, culminating in Quilen Blackwell being named the 2025 CNN Hero of the Year, a distinction that highlights the transformative power of urban agriculture and the resilience of Chicago's youth; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we commend Quilen Blackwell, Hannah Blackwell, and the entire team at Southside Blooms for their dedication to social impact, economic development, and environmental sustainability; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we celebrate the success of the youth who have blossomed through this program and wish the employees of Southside Blooms continued success as they expand their mission to sow seeds of change across the State of Illinois and the nation; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Quilen and Hannah Blackwell of Southside Blooms as a symbol of our respect and esteem.