HR1073 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1073 LRB095 20337 GRL 47610 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The Illinois House of Representatives and State Representative Monique D. Davis wish to congratulate Reverend Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr. on the occasion of his retirement from the Trinity United Church of Christ on February 10, 2008, after 36 years of dedicated service; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Jeremiah A. Wright Jr. was born on September 22, 1941 in Philadelphia; his parents, the Reverend Jeremiah Wright, Sr. and Dr. Mary Henderson Wright, were influential in instilling his lifelong philosophy of balancing the intellectual with the spiritual; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Wright was educated in the Philadelphia public school system; after attending Virginia Union University for three and a half years, he earned his bachelor's degree and a master's degree from Howard University, another master's degree from the University of Chicago, and his doctorate in divinity from United Theological College, where he studied under the eminent Dr. Samuel DeWitt Proctor; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Wright served his country with honor for 6 years as a member of the Armed Forces, serving in both the United States Marine Corps and the United States Navy, where he worked as a cardiopulmonary technician; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Wright served as pastor of Chicago's Trinity United Church of Christ since March 1, 1972; under his inspired leadership, he oversaw the growth of Trinity United Church of Christ's membership from 87 adult members to a congregation of nearly 10,000; he was also integral in the adoption of the church's motto, "Unashamedly Black and Unapologetically Christian", and has made activism within and on behalf of the African American community a major portion of the church's mission, a goal that has seen fantastic results throughout the City of Chicago and beyond; he also serves on several boards of directors and committees in furtherance of his work; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Wright has developed an excellent reputation as an outspoken and effective community leader; he has made it his mission to bring taboo issues, such as AIDS, to the attention of the African American church leadership and service; his commitment to the relevant political issues of African American society, together with his dedication to the African American sermonic tradition, has made him a highly sought-after speaker by national and international groups; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Wright has been the recipient of numerous awards, including three honorary doctorates and three presidential commendations, in recognition of his work; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Wright is an accomplished musician and author; he has written four books, numerous articles, and countless sermons during his illustrious career; in recognition of his ministerial skills, he was named one of Ebony Magazine's top fifteen preachers; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Wright is married to the Reverend Ramah Reed Wright; he is the father of four daughters, Janet Marie Moore, Jeri Lynne Wright, Nikol D. Reed, and Jamila Nandi Wright, and one son, Nathan D. Reed; he is also the grandfather of three grandchildren, Jeremiah Antonio Haynes, Jazmin Lynne Hall, and Steven L. Moore, Jr.; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Wright's dedication to his ministry, congregation, and community is worthy of the greatest respect; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Reverend Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr. on the occasion of his retirement and wish him continued success and happiness in the future; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Reverend Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr. as a symbol of our esteem and respect.