HR0216 LRB094 11720 HSS 43624 r

1
HOUSE RESOLUTION

 
2     WHEREAS, State Representative Monique Davis and the
3 members of the House of Representatives of the State of
4 Illinois learned with great sadness of the death of Meshach
5 Silas on Monday, February 21, 2005; and
 
6     WHEREAS, Mr. Silas was a native of Mississippi and was one
7 of Chicago's busiest musicians; he was a founding member, lead
8 percussionist, and stage director of Funkadesi, a group
9 dedicated to a fusion of black diasporic and East Indian music;
10 he was also the co-founder, with his wife, Nahgeree Sutton, of
11 the Minianka African Drum and Dance Ensemble; and
 
12     WHEREAS, Mr. Silas also served as a multi-instrumentalist,
13 vocalist, teacher, arranger, composer, and session musician
14 with SPIRITS, the Art Ensemble of Chicago, Muntu Dance Theater,
15 911 Reggae, Katalyst, and Keith Eric & Waterhouse; and
 
16     WHEREAS, Always the student, Mr. Silas had traveled to West
17 Africa, Brazil, Cuba, the Virgin Islands, and Europe to learn
18 different percussion instruments and techniques; the song
19 "Sewa" from Funkadesi's "Uncut Roots" album showcased his
20 virtuosity, singing, and playing all percussion; and
 
21     WHEREAS, He had recently been teaching at the Betty Shabazz
22 International Charter School on Chicago's South Side; and
 
23     WHEREAS, Meshach Silas was known for his need to empower
24 his community through wholeheartedly embracing African art and
25 culture; he had a fierce love and conviction and wanted to
26 create a community among people of all socioeconomic classes,
27 races, and backgrounds; and
 
28     WHEREAS, The passing of Meshach Silas has been deeply felt
29 by many, especially his wife, Nahgeree Sutton; his daughters,

 

 

HR0216 - 2 - LRB094 11720 HSS 43624 r

1 Lakeisha, Femi, and Noni; and his son, Jeremiah; therefore, be
2 it
 
3     RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE
4 NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that
5 we mourn the passing of Meshach Silas, and we extend our
6 deepest sympathy to his family, friends, and all who knew and
7 loved him; and be it further
 
8     RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
9 presented to his family as an expression of our sincere
10 condolences.