HR0720 LRB095 13772 GRL 39510 r

1
HOUSE RESOLUTION

 
2     WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of
3 Representatives are pleased to honor Lonnie Rashid Lynn, more
4 famously known as the Chicago hip-hop artist Common, for his
5 work in the community; and
 
6     WHEREAS, Lonnie Rashid Lynn was raised on the South Side of
7 Chicago; he is the son of one of Chicago's most respected
8 educators, Mahalia Ann Hines, the principal at John Hope
9 College Preparatory High School, and former professional
10 basketball player Lonnie Lynn; and
 
11     WHEREAS, Common's career began in 1992, when he, then named
12 COMMON SENSE, introduced himself to the world with the single
13 "Take It EZ"; since 1992, he has sold 2.6 million copies of his
14 albums; and
 
15     WHEREAS, Common's music has been described as refreshing in
16 how he speaks directly to the African-American community and
17 suggests that it must first heal and unify itself, before it
18 can face its outside oppressors; and
 
19     WHEREAS, Common has also become a successful actor; he made
20 his acting debut in January 2007, co-starring alongside Jeremy
21 Piven, Ben Affleck, and Ray Liotta in the film "Smokin' Aces";

 

 

HR0720 - 2 - LRB095 13772 GRL 39510 r

1 he has also co-starred opposite Denzel Washington in "American
2 Gangster" and recently wrapped the filming of "Wanted", with
3 co-stars Morgan Freeman and Angelina Jolie; he will soon start
4 work on "The Night Watchman", co-starring with Keanu Reeves and
5 Forest Whitaker; and
 
6     WHEREAS, In addition to his theatrical roles, he has been
7 active in advertising, appearing in national ad campaigns for
8 The Gap and Converse Red; he has also written three books
9 inspired by his daughter, "The Mirror and Me", "M.E. (Mixed
10 Emotions)", and "I Like You, But I Love Me", which was recently
11 nominated for a NAACP Image Award; he has also created a line
12 of designer hats; and
 
13     WHEREAS, Common is the founder of the Common Ground
14 Foundation, an organization dedicated to utilizing the
15 cultural relevance of hip-hop music to serve as an advocate for
16 justice and education, as well as to fight poverty and increase
17 health awareness among young people in underserved communities
18 throughout the United States; and
 
19     WHEREAS, Common's dedication to his music and film career
20 and his willingness to serve his community make him a model for
21 the people of the State of Illinois; therefore, be it
 
22     RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE

 

 

HR0720 - 3 - LRB095 13772 GRL 39510 r

1 NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we
2 honor Lonnie Rashid Lynn for his work in the community and wish
3 him continued success and happiness in the future; and be it
4 further
 
5     RESOLVED, That we urge the City of Chicago to proclaim
6 September 20, 2007 as Common Day in the City of Chicago; and be
7 it further
 
8     RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
9 presented to Lonnie Rashid Lynn as a symbol of our esteem and
10 respect.