HR0536 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0536 LRB100 13482 MST 28087 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Community Development Sustainable Solutions's Stephanie Bush, Terrance Taylor, Tracy Johnson, and Shamika Croom continue their Peace Initiative Summers; this year, they are joined by the Emerson Park Development Corporation's Bill Spencer and Vicky Forbe; June 19, 1865, "Juneteenth", is a momentous day in American history; "To Awaken the Spirit of Freedom and Hope for a New Beginning" on this fateful date, we stand in remembrance, gratitude, honor, and unity; we answer the "Call for Change"; and

WHEREAS, Community Development Sustainable Solutions (CDSS) is a non-profit grassroots social advocacy community and economic development agency of community organizers, human service agents, and social justice agents committed to advancing economic growth in surrounding communities; CDSS's mission remains true to its original goals: making a positive impact by creating and implementing sustainable solutions we can all live with; and

WHEREAS, Community Development Sustainable Solutions advocates for the voice and the spirit of the community; on June 19, the CDSS, along with the communities of East St. Louis, Cahokia, and Washington Park, proclaimed Juneteenth an "American independence holiday"; June 19th is the true African American Independence Day, not July 4th; this is the first step towards raising awareness and understanding the national legacy and journey of African Americans; and

WHEREAS, In 2017, Community Development Sustainable Solutions celebrated Juneteenth - East St. Louis by bringing surrounding communities together in unity; and

WHEREAS, Community Development Sustainable Solutions remains true to its vision and mission towards equitable and sustainable solutions to end systemic racism and crime via community and economic development efforts that civically engage; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize the advocacy of Community Development Sustainable Solutions and declare Stephanie Bush, Terrance Taylor, Tracy Johnson, and Shamika Croom to be "pillars of excellence" within their community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to Stephanie Bush, Terrance Taylor, Tracy Johnson, and Shamika Croom as a symbol of our respect and esteem.