HR0899 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0899 LRB102 28342 LAW 40213 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate the Soul Children of Chicago (SCC) on the occasion of its 40th anniversary; and

WHEREAS, The SCC is the nation's oldest internationally acclaimed, Grammy award-winning, youth gospel choir; the 501(c)(3) professional youth organization was founded by Walt W. Whitman Jr. in 1981, starting with a group of 22 children; and

WHEREAS, The SCC strives to provide an incentive for inner city youth to remain free of gangs, drugs, and teen pregnancies through the use of the creative arts while maintaining academic excellence; its mission is to education the minds, elevate the spirits, and illuminate the souls of youths aged seven through 17 from the Chicago area and suburban Cook County; and

WHEREAS, The SCC prides itself in its outreach efforts by giving back to the community; since its creation, the organization's youth members have contributed more than 16 billion volunteer hours; additionally, the organization has further helped communities through partnering with a number of businesses and groups over the years, including The Olive Branch, the Bright Star Community Development, Father Michael Pfleger and Saint Sabina's War on Gang Violence, and the Truth, Hope & Justice Initiative; and

WHEREAS, The SCC has extended its outreach efforts abroad, from building wells in Monrovia, Liberia to establishing global networks through the creation of more than 100 Soul Children choirs in multiple countries, including Norway, Sweden, Indonesia, Germany, and England and very soon in South Africa; and

WHEREAS, The SCC has touched the lives of thousands of Chicago youths who have performed and traveled with the group; the organization has played an important role in serving Chicago youth from some of the toughest areas in the city, helping them develop into successful men and women; the choir counts graduates, artists, pastors, community leaders, doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs, and other working professionals among its alumni; and

WHEREAS, The SCC continues to serve the community as a non-denominational, non-profit, educational organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of youth; the organization remains passionate and committed to being the change its members desire to create through leading with integrity and authenticity, consistently embracing new challenges, promoting peace and happiness, and inspiring people all over the world; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the Soul Children of Chicago on its 40th anniversary, and we wish Walt W. Whitman Jr. and his organization continued success in the years to come; and be it further

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