HJ0131 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HJ0131 LRB095 21013 KXB 50114 r

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The Illinois General Assembly wishes to present this resolution as a tribute to and acknowledgement of the contributions of Illinois residents of Sudanese descent to our State and our nation and to humanitarian efforts worldwide; and

WHEREAS, Illinois residents of Sudanese descent, including Chicago Bulls star forward Luol Deng who was born in Wau, Sudan, have done extraordinary work to speak out against war and genocide in their native land and to build a vibrant Sudanese community in our State; and

WHEREAS, Organizations, including the Sudanese Community Association of Illinois, the Chicago Association for the Lost Boys of Sudan, Sudanese Community Church, Darfur Association of Illinois, and the Chicago Coalition to Save Darfur have mobilized countless volunteers to oppose war and genocide in the Sudan, to support humanitarian efforts there, and to provide opportunities for Illinois residents of Sudanese descent to succeed in their new homes and become United States citizens; and

WHEREAS, There are large communities of Illinois residents of Sudanese descent in the Chicagoland area, particularly in DuPage County and the North side of Chicago, many of whom are leaders in their communities; and

WHEREAS, Illinois is proud of the accomplishments of its Sudanese residents, many of whom have struggled against overwhelming odds and fled war and genocide to establish homes in Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Illinois residents of Sudanese descent have specific needs related to culturally sensitive child care, English as a Second Language education, job-training, credit and consumer counseling, and women's empowerment; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that the Illinois General Assembly supports the development of a Sudanese Community Center and recognizes the tremendous contributions of Illinois residents of Sudanese descent and the need to address the challenges they still face; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to leaders of Illinois' Sudanese community as an expression of our utmost respect and esteem.