IL SR0873

Senate Resolution mourning the death of State Representative Eddie P. Washington of Waukegan and Lake County, who died on June 5, 2010.

Washington was born in St. Louis on June 8, 1953, moved to Waukegan in 1985, and became a passionate advocate for equal rights and marginalized communities.

Plaintiff in the 1975 federal court case Washington vs. Walker that broke down institutional barriers preventing African Americans, Latinos, and women from employment as Illinois State Police officers.

First African American State legislator elected from Lake County in 2002 (re-elected three times) and held various firsts including Trustee of North Shore Sanitary District, Chairman of Waukegan Democratic Organization, and founder of activist group P.O.W.E.R.

Served as Director of Employment and Economic Development for the Lake County Urban League and advocated for job creation, green jobs development, and renewable energy initiatives in North Chicago and Waukegan.