HR0434 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0434 LRB098 12310 MST 46574 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to recognize Emma L. Wilson-King Foundation recent honorees - the late Mayor of East St. Louis James E. Williams Sr. and his wife Lillian Croom Williams; and

WHEREAS, The Emma L. Wilson-King Foundation was established in 2009 as a civic and educational foundation dedicated to the enhancement of the neighborhoods and community of East St. Louis; the foundation is a non-profit organization and was created to improve key elements of East St. Louis such as public parks, gardens, buildings, neighborhood organizations, and educational enhancement of both young and old through schools and community center; and

WHEREAS, The Emma L Wilson-King Foundation is part of a living legacy in memory of Mrs. Emma L Wilson-King, which is formed out of her strong yet simple sense of caring and giving regardless of personal wealth; she fostered relationships with those both young and old and instilled in them a sense of compassion to help others; and

WHEREAS, James E. Williams Sr. became the first African-American mayor of East St. Louis in 1971; he later served as president of School Board District 189; during his tenure as mayor and school board president, he always sought to be accessible to those he was elected to serve; and

WHEREAS, Lillian Croom Williams was an educator and community organizer who advocated for the disenfranchised citizens in her community; she worked with students to help them achieve their goals and continue to pursue a higher education; she also led the fight for fair wages for police, firemen, and teachers; and

WHEREAS, Honorees are those whose actions personify the best in public service and education; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize the Emma L. Wilson-King Foundation honorees, the late James E. Williams Sr. and Lillian Croom Williams; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to honoree Lillian Croom Williams.