IL HR0009

Designates August 2017 as "Buy Black, Love Black Month" in Illinois to honor Dr. Webb Evans' founding of the United American Progress Association in 1961 and his work on economic empowerment for the African American community.

Urges all Illinois citizens to support black-owned businesses and institutions through actions such as banking at black-owned banks, patronizing black doctors and dentists, dining at black-owned restaurants, and hiring black contractors and real estate brokers.

Encourages support for historically black colleges and universities, black-produced media, black newspapers and websites, black cultural events, and participation in "Buy Black Wednesday" by spending money with black businesses weekly.

References economic data showing African American buying power projected to reach $1.1 trillion by 2015 and noting that a 10% increase in spending at black businesses could generate 1 million jobs.

Honors historical civil rights and economic leaders including Marcus Garvey, A. Philip Randolph, W.E.B. Du Bois, and Malcolm X who fought for African American economic independence and equality.