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1
SENATE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, Illinois is a state that embraces its great
3diversity, that commits itself to equity and inclusion for all
4communities, and honors individuals that dream, dedicate
5themselves, and build for future generations; and
 
6    WHEREAS, Muhammad Ali had an unrelenting spirit to dream;
7he said "Impossible is a not a fact. It is an opinion. It is
8not a declaration. It is a dare. Impossible is potential.";
9and
 
10    WHEREAS, Muhammad Ali was brave; he said "What I suffered
11physically was worth what I have accomplished in life. A man
12who is not courageous enough to take risks will never
13accomplish anything in life."; he persisted despite the
14physical harm and political opposition he endured; and
 
15    WHEREAS, Muhammad Ali was humble; he said "I would like to
16be remembered as a person who never looked down on those who
17looked up to him."; he admitted he was a flawed human being
18like everyone else, but he still strived to become a better
19person every day; and
 
20    WHEREAS, Muhammad Ali demonstrated an inspiring work
21ethic; he committed himself to his passion for boxing and

 

 

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1never stopped working to achieve success; he won the Olympic
2gold medal and the heavy weight title three times; he won 56
3matches in his 21 year professional career, making him
4America's Champ; and
 
5    WHEREAS, Muhammad Ali was an inspiration for future
6generations; he knew becoming America's Champ required
7discipline and said "Don't count the days, make the days
8count."; he did not let distractions keep him from his goal;
9and
 
10    WHEREAS, Muhammad Ali was a true American Patriot; he said
11"All I can do is fight for truth and justice." and would hold
12leaders that represented him to a standard of ethics; and
 
13    WHEREAS, Muhammad Ali was an example of a powerful
14American life; he represented the power of a single individual
15voice embodying the values that create champions; and
 
16    WHEREAS, Muhammad Ali was committed to uniting our country
17and held deliberate conversations with others who held
18opposing views; he said "I want to be remembered as a man who
19tried to unite all humankind through faith and love."; and
 
20    WHEREAS, Muhammad Ali showed perseverance; even though he
21had Parkinson's disease, which impaired his motor skills and

 

 

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1speech later in his life, he continued his work as a global
2humanitarian and a goodwill ambassador; and
 
3    WHEREAS, Muhammad Ali was a dedicated philanthropist; he
4helped people around the world who were battling hunger,
5helped at local soup kitchens and hospitals, worked with the
6Special Olympics and the Make A Wish Foundation around the
7world, and vocalized support for Parkinson's disease research;
8and
 
9    WHEREAS, Muhammad Ali had a commitment to service and
10faith; he said "Truly great people in history never wanted to
11be great themselves. All they wanted was the chance to do good
12to others and be close to God."; he found strength in his
13faith; and
 
14    WHEREAS, Muhammad Ali, known as America's champ, was a
15devoted American Muslim; he said "Islam means Peace." and
16brought honor to the United States by relying on courage he
17found in his faith to stand up against injustices worldwide;
18therefore, be it
 
19    RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL
20ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare January 17,
212022 as Muhammad Ali Day in the State of Illinois to
22commemorate this inspirational, ambitious, hard-working, and

 

 

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1courageous true African-American Muslim patriot who upheld the
2values of our State and our country in the most profound way.