SR0740LRB101 15017 MST 64056 r

1
SENATE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to
3learn of the death of Merlin Kennedy; and
 
4    WHEREAS, Merlin Kennedy was a civil rights activist, a
5community leader, and a past president of the
6Bloomington/Normal branch of the NAACP; he was extremely
7passionate about the success of the local branch of the NAACP;
8and
 
9    WHEREAS, Merlin Kennedy was best known for his efforts
10related to the Fair Housing Act in Bloomington-Normal; he
11worked tirelessly to assist the disenfranchised, ostracized,
12and the down-trodden; and
 
13    WHEREAS, Merlin Kennedy was also known for appearing in a
14Santa Claus suit during a city council meeting, protesting the
15"One Santa Rule"; he was adamant about having a Black Santa in
16his community and appeared in Jet magazine for his resistance
17to racism and discrimination; and
 
18    WHEREAS, Merlin Kennedy was an icon and a great supporter
19of the NAACP; he kept the NAACP relevant and engaged with the
20community, which propelled the NAACP to thrive in the
21Bloomington-Normal community; therefore, be it
 

 

 

SR0740- 2 -LRB101 15017 MST 64056 r

1    RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL
2ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of
3Merlin Kennedy and extend our sincere condolences to his
4family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it
5further
 
6    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
7presented to the family of Merlin Kennedy as an expression of
8our deepest sympathy.