HR0818 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0818 LRB104 21464 ECR 36621 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to commend Nannette Butler for devoting her life to advancing social justice, community service, and civic engagement; and

WHEREAS, Nannette Butler, a resident of Chicago's Uptown neighborhood in the 46th Ward, has been a dedicated leader at the Wilson Yard Senior Building, where she consistently volunteers to support fellow residents, organizes community-building activities, and coordinates events such as holiday gatherings to foster connection and mutual support among residents; and

WHEREAS, Nannette Butler's commitment to service is rooted in her lifelong dedication to civil rights, having been raised in a family deeply engaged in the Civil Rights Movement; and

WHEREAS, As a young girl, Nannette Butler participated in efforts supporting the Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1955 to 1956, organized through the Congregational Church of Park Manor in Chicago, by helping to prepare and send sturdy shoes from Chicago to Montgomery, Alabama, enabling African American women to walk long distances to work while boycotting segregated bus systems; and

WHEREAS, Nannette Butler contributed to Operation Breadbasket, an initiative led by the Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr., which focused on economic justice by advocating for employment opportunities, fair hiring practices, and investment in African American communities; and

WHEREAS, Nannette Butler also supported Project 75, an initiative aimed at increasing the number of African American students admitted to medical schools, helping to expand opportunities and representation in the medical profession; and

WHEREAS, Throughout her life, Nannette Butler has remained actively involved in faith-based and community-driven social justice initiatives, including numerous programs at the Congregational Church of Park Manor; and

WHEREAS, Nannette Butler has volunteered with ONE Northside, contributing to grassroots organizing efforts focused on equity, housing, and community empowerment in Chicago; and

WHEREAS, Nannette Butler has served as both a staff member and volunteer at Cornerstone Community Outreach, an Uptown-based organization dedicated to assisting individuals and families experiencing homelessness as they work to rebuild stable and independent lives; and

WHEREAS, Nannette Butler's service has extended to volunteering with the Child Day Center in Steger and Just Harvest in Chicago's Rogers Park neighborhood, both of which are organizations that work to address hunger, poverty, and access to essential services; and

WHEREAS, Nannette Butler has remained a consistent and active presence at community events throughout Uptown and the 46th Ward, where she donates her time to promote civic participation, including helping residents register to vote and engage in the democratic process; and

WHEREAS, Through decades of service, Nannette Butler has made a lasting impact on her community by strengthening institutions and by supporting vulnerable populations; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we commend Nannette Butler for her lifelong commitment to service, civil rights, and community leadership and for the profound and positive impact she has made in Chicago and beyond; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Nannette Butler as an expression of our esteem and respect.