SR0092 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0092 LRB102 13400 ECR 18744 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Illinois is a state that embraces its great diversity, that commits itself to equity and inclusion for all communities, and honors individuals that dream, dedicate themselves, and build for future generations; and

WHEREAS, Muhammad Ali had an unrelenting spirit to dream; he said "Impossible is a not a fact. It is an opinion. It is not a declaration. It is a dare. Impossible is potential."; and

WHEREAS, Muhammad Ali was brave; he said "What I suffered physically was worth what I have accomplished in life. A man who is not courageous enough to take risks will never accomplish anything in life."; he persisted despite the physical harm and political opposition he endured; and

WHEREAS, Muhammad Ali was humble; he said "I would like to be remembered as a person who never looked down on those who looked up to him."; he admitted he was a flawed human being like everyone else, but he still strived to become a better person every day; and

WHEREAS, Muhammad Ali demonstrated an inspiring work ethic; he committed himself to his passion for boxing and never stopped working to achieve success; he won the Olympic gold medal and the heavy weight title three times; he won 56 matches in his 21 year professional career, making him America's Champ; and

WHEREAS, Muhammad Ali was an inspiration for future generations; he knew becoming America's Champ required discipline and said "Don't count the days, make the days count."; he did not let distractions keep him from his goal; and

WHEREAS, Muhammad Ali was a true American Patriot; he said "All I can do is fight for truth and justice." and would hold leaders that represented him to a standard of ethics; and

WHEREAS, Muhammad Ali was an example of a powerful American life; he represented the power of a single individual voice embodying the values that create champions; and

WHEREAS, Muhammad Ali was committed to uniting our country and held deliberate conversations with others who held opposing views; he said "I want to be remembered as a man who tried to unite all humankind through faith and love."; and

WHEREAS, Muhammad Ali showed perseverance; even though he had Parkinson's disease, which impaired his motor skills and speech later in his life, he continued his work as a global humanitarian and a goodwill ambassador; and

WHEREAS, Muhammad Ali was a dedicated philanthropist; he helped people around the world who were battling hunger, helped at local soup kitchens and hospitals, worked with the Special Olympics and the Make A Wish Foundation around the world, and vocalized support for Parkinson's disease research; and

WHEREAS, Muhammad Ali had a commitment to service and faith; he said "Truly great people in history never wanted to be great themselves. All they wanted was the chance to do good to others and be close to God."; he found strength in his faith; and

WHEREAS, Muhammad Ali, known as America's champ, was a devoted American Muslim; he said "Islam means Peace." and brought honor to the United States by relying on courage he found in his faith to stand up against injustices worldwide; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare January 17, 2022 as Muhammad Ali Day in the State of Illinois to commemorate this inspirational, ambitious, hard-working, and courageous true African-American Muslim patriot who upheld the values of our State and our country in the most profound way.