SR0947 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0947 LRB103 40429 LAW 72748 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Reverend Walter "Slim" Coleman of Chicago, who passed away on April 16, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Coleman was born on August 20, 1943; he was raised in Lubbock, Texas; he attended Harvard University, where he graduated many years later due to his enthusiastic dedication to activism; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Coleman was an influential Chicago activist who served as an advocate for civil rights and social justice causes for more than six decades; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Coleman became involved with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee under the leadership of James Forman in Cleveland, Ohio in 1960, and the predominantly Black college student organization practiced peaceful, direct-action protests that led to civil rights victories; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Coleman moved to Chicago in 1966, where he joined the activist organization Students for a Democratic Society, an organization whose headquarters were located on the city's west side near the Illinois Black Panther Party Headquarters on Madison Street, leading him to become acquainted with Chairman Fred Hampton; and

WHEREAS, Through his monumental voter registration efforts, Rev. Coleman played a pivotal role in Harold Washington's historic and successful campaign to become Chicago's first Black mayor in 1983; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Coleman later earned a Master of Divinity from Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary; he and his wife, Emma Lozano, served as spiritual leaders for Adalberto United Methodist Church in Humboldt Park and Lincoln United Methodist Church in Pilsen for many years; their ministry primarily focused on the needs of immigrants; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Coleman leaves behind a legacy of community leadership and activism on behalf of people and communities fighting for fairness and access to resources and power in Chicago; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Coleman is survived by his wife; five children, Robert Rico, Anita Rico, Tanya Lozano, Joline Lozano, and Roberto C. Lopez; and six grandchildren; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Reverend Walter "Slim" Coleman 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 Rev. Coleman as an expression of our deepest sympathy.