SR0873 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0873 LRB096 22534 KXB 41835 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are deeply saddened to learn of the death of our friend and fellow legislator, State Representative Eddie P. Washington of Waukegan and Lake County, who passed away on June 5, 2010; and

WHEREAS, Eddie Washington was born in St. Louis, Missouri on June 8, 1953; he grew up in East St. Louis, taking great pride and inspiration in the number of East St. Louisans who made major contributions to American arts, letters, science, sports, and civic life; he moved to Waukegan in 1985 and quickly became known as a passionate advocate for equal rights and for helping marginalized groups gain empowerment through the political process; and

WHEREAS, He was educated in the public schools of East St. Louis and received a bachelor's degree from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville and East St. Louis, majoring in political science and journalism; he was also a graduate of the College of Lake County; and

WHEREAS, He was a trailblazer for African Americans across Illinois and in Lake County; a plaintiff in a federal court case, Washington vs. Walker (1975), he was subsequently credited with breaking down institutional barriers that had kept blacks, Latinos, and women from gainful employment as Illinois State Police officers; he began his long road of public service in 1986 as a precinct committeeman; he started the first African American Police League of Waukegan and North Chicago, became the first African American to be elected Trustee of the North Shore Sanitary District, and the first to serve as Chairman of the Waukegan Democratic Organization; in 2002, he became the first African American State legislator elected from Lake County and was re-elected three times; and he was a member of the Legislative Black Caucus; and

WHEREAS, He spent decades working with community organizations in the Metro East and Northeastern Illinois, even founding his own activist group, P.O.W.E.R. (People Organized Working for Equal Respect); he collaborated closely with the Lake County NAACP to improve the quality of life for local residents; he was a stalwart ally of the John Howard Association and supported its efforts to provide more humane living conditions for the incarcerated and to equip them with skills needed to become contributing members of society after their release; and

WHEREAS, He served as the Director of Employment and Economic Development for the Lake County Urban League, solidifying his commitment to the cause of prosperity through job creation; he was an active voice to encourage new businesses to open in North Chicago and Waukegan, particularly in the Tenth Street Corridor; he promoted the development of green jobs and was outspoken on the need for Illinois to become a leader in renewable energy; and

WHEREAS, He was a deeply religious man; he was baptized and joined the Straightway Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Toliver and was called later in life to the Nation of Islam through the guidance of Minister Louis Farrakhan; and

WHEREAS, He was preceded in death by his father, Edward E. Washington, Sr.; and his brother, David C. Washington; and

WHEREAS, Representative Eddie Washington is survived by his wife, Flor D'Luis Washington; his three sons, Albert Aziz (Sandreika) Moore, Malik (Mikell) Moore, and Elias Washington; his four daughters, Tikisha (Lawrence) Johnson, Kieanda Moore, Asiah Rose Washington, and Raquela Washington; his mother, Rose Washington; his two brothers, Edward E. Washington, Jr. and Kevin D. Washington; his 10 grandchildren; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends; and his passing will be felt by his constituents in the 60th House District; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his friends, family, and constituents, the passing of State Representative Eddie P. Washington; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of State Representative Eddie Washington as a symbol of our sincere sympathy.