SR0268 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0268 LRB094 12688 WGH 47532 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Joseph H. Haley, the founder and executive director of Jackie Robinson West Little League in Chicago, passed away on June 13, 2005 at the age of 71; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Haley, a native of Enoch, Louisiana, earned an Associate of Arts degree from Compton College of California, a Bachelor of Arts degree from Grambling State University, and a Master of Arts degree from DePaul University; he served as Assistant Principal at Marcus Garvey Elementary School; and

WHEREAS, From a league with just five teams, Jackie Robinson West Little League has grown to more than 1,000 players on 36 teams; the league has instilled the values of good citizenship, perseverance, team effort, sportsmanship, and self-discipline in generations of young people; Mr. Haley wanted the children in his league to get a good education and taught them that school was more important than baseball; one of his proudest accomplishments was the completion of Jackie Robinson Stadium at 107th and Morgan; and

WHEREAS, For his dedication and commitment to Jackie Robinson West Little League and his service to the community, Joseph Haley received many awards, including the Fred Hampton Image Award, YMCA Wall of Fame Award, Marcus Garvey Award, Mt. Vernon-Washington Heights Community Organization Award, Continental Societies, Inc. Award, JRW Man of the Year Award, Altgeld Community Service Award, Temple of Spiritual Truth Community Service Award, 34th Ward Regular Democratic Organization Community Award, Monarch Lodge #99 of Prince-Hall Masons Award, Monarch Foundation Award, Harlan High School Service Award, Shoreland News Humanitarian Award, ABJ Community Service Award, Sweet Holy Spirit Gospel Church Award, Beatrice Caffrey Youth Services Award, Omega Psi Phi Citizenship Award, Make a Difference Youth Foundation Service Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Award of Excellence, Education Achievement Award, Youth Service Award, United Way Crusade of Mercy Honorary Award, Institute for Athletics and Education-Education Achievement Award, and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Rho Gamma Gamma Chapter Outstanding Citizenship Award; he was also featured on Harry Porterfield's "Someone You Should Know" on ABC Channel 7; and

WHEREAS, The passing of Joseph Haley is deeply felt by all who knew and loved him, especially his wife, Ann, who serves as the president of the Jackie Robinson West Little League Women's Auxiliary, two sons, Glenn and Bill, who serves as the chairman of the board for the league, and four grandchildren; another son, Richard, preceded him in death; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we join his family and friends in mourning the loss of Joseph H. Haley, and we recognize his dedication and countless contributions to the youth of his community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be delivered to his family with our heartfelt condolences.