SJ0129 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SJ0129 LRB096 24178 GRL 43616 r

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois General Assembly are saddened to learn of the death of Bishop Arthur Brazier, who passed away on October 22, 2010; and

WHEREAS, Bishop Arthur Brazier was a civil rights activist and community leader known throughout the world for his great compassion and his unwavering devotion to God; he served as pastor of the Apostolic Church of God in Chicago for 48 years up until his retirement in 2008; he continued to serve as pastor emeritus until his passing; and

WHEREAS, Bishop Arthur Brazier was a central figure in driving out gang violence in his community; he helped lead the fight for affordable housing and revitalizing his community; he also marched alongside Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. to protest segregation and was responsible for bringing Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., to Chicago in 1964; and

WHEREAS, Bishop Arthur Brazier was a member of the Public Buildings Commission of Chicago; he also served as a lecturer at several leading universities, including the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, Harvard University, and Antioch College; and

WHEREAS, Bishop Arthur Brazier was the founder of the Woodlawn Organization, the Woodlawn Preservation and Investment Corporation, and the Fund for Community Redevelopment and Revitalization; he was also a national leader in community development; and

WHEREAS, Bishop Arthur Brazier was the author of "Black Self-Determination", "Saved by Grace and Grace Alone", and "Delivery Systems for Model Cities"; and

WHEREAS, Bishop Arthur Brazier is survived by his wife, Isabelle; his son, Dr. Byron T. Brazier; his daughters, Lola Hillman, Janice Dortch, and Rosalyn Shepherd; and his 7 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING HEREIN, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of Bishop Arthur Brazier; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Bishop Arthur Brazier as an expression of our sympathy.