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HR0216 |
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LRB094 11720 HSS 43624 r |
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| HOUSE RESOLUTION
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| WHEREAS, State Representative Monique Davis and the |
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| members of the House of Representatives of the State of |
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| Illinois learned with great sadness of the death of Meshach |
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| Silas on Monday, February 21, 2005; and
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| WHEREAS, Mr. Silas was a native of Mississippi and was one |
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| of Chicago's busiest musicians; he was a founding member, lead |
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| percussionist, and stage director of Funkadesi, a group |
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| dedicated to a fusion of black diasporic and East Indian music; |
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| he was also the co-founder, with his wife, Nahgeree Sutton, of |
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| the Minianka African Drum and Dance Ensemble; and
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| WHEREAS, Mr. Silas also served as a multi-instrumentalist, |
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| vocalist, teacher, arranger, composer, and session musician |
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| with SPIRITS, the Art Ensemble of Chicago, Muntu Dance Theater, |
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| 911 Reggae, Katalyst, and Keith Eric & Waterhouse; and
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| WHEREAS, Always the student, Mr. Silas had traveled to West |
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| Africa, Brazil, Cuba, the Virgin Islands, and Europe to learn |
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| different percussion instruments and techniques; the song |
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| "Sewa" from Funkadesi's "Uncut Roots" album showcased his |
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| virtuosity, singing, and playing all percussion; and
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| WHEREAS, He had recently been teaching at the Betty Shabazz |
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| International Charter School on Chicago's South Side; and
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| WHEREAS, Meshach Silas was known for his need to empower |
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| his community through wholeheartedly embracing African art and |
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| culture; he had a fierce love and conviction and wanted to |
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| create a community among people of all socioeconomic classes, |
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| races, and backgrounds; and
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| WHEREAS, The passing of Meshach Silas has been deeply felt |
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| by many, especially his wife, Nahgeree Sutton; his daughters, |