HR0720 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0720 LRB095 13772 GRL 39510 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to honor Lonnie Rashid Lynn, more famously known as the Chicago hip-hop artist Common, for his work in the community; and

WHEREAS, Lonnie Rashid Lynn was raised on the South Side of Chicago; he is the son of one of Chicago's most respected educators, Mahalia Ann Hines, the principal at John Hope College Preparatory High School, and former professional basketball player Lonnie Lynn; and

WHEREAS, Common's career began in 1992, when he, then named COMMON SENSE, introduced himself to the world with the single "Take It EZ"; since 1992, he has sold 2.6 million copies of his albums; and

WHEREAS, Common's music has been described as refreshing in how he speaks directly to the African-American community and suggests that it must first heal and unify itself, before it can face its outside oppressors; and

WHEREAS, Common has also become a successful actor; he made his acting debut in January 2007, co-starring alongside Jeremy Piven, Ben Affleck, and Ray Liotta in the film "Smokin' Aces"; he has also co-starred opposite Denzel Washington in "American Gangster" and recently wrapped the filming of "Wanted", with co-stars Morgan Freeman and Angelina Jolie; he will soon start work on "The Night Watchman", co-starring with Keanu Reeves and Forest Whitaker; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his theatrical roles, he has been active in advertising, appearing in national ad campaigns for The Gap and Converse Red; he has also written three books inspired by his daughter, "The Mirror and Me", "M.E. (Mixed Emotions)", and "I Like You, But I Love Me", which was recently nominated for a NAACP Image Award; he has also created a line of designer hats; and

WHEREAS, Common is the founder of the Common Ground Foundation, an organization dedicated to utilizing the cultural relevance of hip-hop music to serve as an advocate for justice and education, as well as to fight poverty and increase health awareness among young people in underserved communities throughout the United States; and

WHEREAS, Common's dedication to his music and film career and his willingness to serve his community make him a model for the people of the State of Illinois; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we honor Lonnie Rashid Lynn for his work in the community and wish him continued success and happiness in the future; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we urge the City of Chicago to proclaim September 20, 2007 as Common Day in the City of Chicago; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Lonnie Rashid Lynn as a symbol of our esteem and respect.