HR0738 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0738 LRB100 16817 MST 31958 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Herbert Lee Hedgeman, who passed away on December 29, 2017; and

WHEREAS, Herbert Hedgeman was born in Chicago to Fannie Mae Hedgeman on November 7, 1928; he attended Chicago Public Schools and, at the age of 16, joined the United States Army and served during World War II and the Korean War; after World War II ended, he remained in Germany performing the saxophone throughout the country; he studied pre-law at Wilberforce University, where in 1954 he began a lifelong involvement with the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity; he married Tricka Harris in 1971; and

WHEREAS, Herbert Hedgeman worked as a case worker with the Cook County Department of Public Aid; he then began a career in real estate and became known as a "blockbuster" for his talent of integrating various neighborhoods in Chicago; he was the first African-American realtor at the Rubloff real estate company; creating economic development for underdeveloped communities was a major passion of his; throughout his life he was passionate about helping the African-American community; and

WHEREAS, Herbert Hedgeman purchased the Sportsman's Inn Motel in 1973; he had a 50-year career in business and invested in numerous properties in Illinois, Michigan, and Georgia; he was the sponsor of WVON's "The Bob Shaw" show and one of the founders of We Can Inc.; and

WHEREAS, Herbert Hedgeman started the Herbert Hedgeman Foundation to provide students with financial assistance for their Wilberforce University education; he was known in his community for his generosity and kindness; he thrived to bring out the best in people and help them become successful in their endeavors; and

WHEREAS, Herbert Hedgeman was preceded in death by his wife, Tricka; and

WHEREAS, Herbert Hedgeman is survived by his son, Kenneth Hedgeman; his daughters, Denita Hedgeman, Kori Scurlock, TK Karadzovski, and Cici Foster (Kevin); his grandchildren, Avante and Dante Hedgeman and Diamond and Imani Foster; his great-grandchild, Ayanna Hedgeman; his faithful dog, Ace; and numerous cousins and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Herbert Lee Hedgeman, and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Herbert Hedgeman as an expression of our deepest sympathy.