SR0700 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0700 LRB099 12913 GRL 36762 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The people of the State of Illinois were shocked to learn of the tragic incident at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina on June 17, 2015; and

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate were deeply saddened to learn of the 9 victims who were tragically slain during Bible study at Emanuel AME that day: South Carolina State Senator Clementa Pinckney, the senior pastor at the church, Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, an assistant pastor, Tywanza Sanders, Ethel Lance, Susie Jackson, Cynthia Hurd, Myra Thompson, Daniel Simmons Sr., and DePayne Middleton Doctor; and

WHEREAS, Events connected with this tragedy have raised questions about the so-called "Battle Flag of the Confederacy" as a suitable element in the design of official state symbols; regardless of the reasons why this flag was previously chosen to be portrayed, it is now obvious that this flag is offensive and should no longer be depicted on official state symbols; and

WHEREAS, The official flag of the State of Mississippi, by Mississippi statute, incorporates a depiction of the "Battle Flag of the Confederacy" into its design; and

WHEREAS, The members of this body suggest that the Mississippi Legislature should adopt an official flag that honors the heritage of all Mississippians, including the over 37% of Mississippians that are African-American; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we call upon the Mississippi Legislature to take statutory action to remove any depiction of the "Battle Flag of the Confederacy" from the design of the flag of the State of Mississippi; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be delivered to Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant, Tate Reeves, President of the Mississippi Senate, and Philip Gunn, Speaker of the Mississippi House of Representatives.