SR0544 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0544 LRB102 20867 MST 29749 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Sam Polk of Peoria, who passed away on September 17, 2021; and

WHEREAS, Sam Polk was born in Memphis, Tennessee to Charlie and Nellie Jane (Jones) Polk on March 6, 1935 and received his early education in the Memphis school system; he moved to the Peoria area in the 1940s and attended Greenley and, later, Woodruff High School; he was a Boy Scout at Carver Center, Troop 38; he was inducted into the U.S. Army on March 15, 1955 and honorably served his country, including time spent in the Army Reserve, until March 15, 1963; and

WHEREAS, Sam Polk worked for the Peoria Public Works Department for over 45 years; he served as a supervisor and retired in 2002; and

WHEREAS, Sam Polk began serving the Peoria community through the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) local branch; as vice president, he advocated for equal employment opportunities for minorities, justice, voting rights, and overall basic human rights through peaceful boycotts, demonstrations, and organization; he volunteered and advocated for equality and had been a lifetime member of the NAACP since the 1950s; and

WHEREAS, Sam Polk was a former member of the Henry Brown Lodge PHA and member of the Peoria Tri-County Urban League's Guild; through the Tri-County Urban League, he supported the city's youth and the Scientists, Technicians and Managers Program; he also supported the Carver Center and served on the committee to reopen the center after its 2011 closure, which resulted in its reopening in 2013; and

WHEREAS, In his retirement, Sam Polk served as a mentor to a number of young men, teaching them work ethics, goal setting, financial management through stipends, decision making, character building, community involvement, and skill development through apprenticeship opportunities; he enjoyed supporting worthy causes, people, and organizations; he was always willing to give a hand to those willing to take a step; he contributed to many notable organizations, including the Heritage Ensemble, St. Martin De Porres Boy Scout Troop, local food pantries, Girl Scouts, St. Jude, Susan B. Komen, and The Whitney M. Young Jr. annual events; and

WHEREAS, Sam Polk had an amazing sense of humor, and he loved jazz music, especially albums by Myles Davis; and

WHEREAS, Sam Polk was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Sheryl Gulley; his brother, James Polk; his grandson, Jonathan; and his nephew, Kevin Polk; and

WHEREAS, Sam Polk is survived by his wife of 47 years, Jean A. Polk; his children, Kenneth Sam Polk Sr. and Celeste (Donald) Polk-Coverdell; his grandchildren, Darnell, Kenneth Jr. (Tyeisha), Kevin Sr. (Jazmyn), Caleb, and Donavan; his great-grandchildren, Skylar, Kailani, Kassadi, Kevin Jr., Kennedi, and Kaydence; his nieces, Jonelle (Daniel) McCloud, Rebecca Polk, and Karen (Billy) Raymond; and numerous other relatives and many friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Sam Polk 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 Sam Polk as an expression of our deepest sympathy.