IL HR0899

Congratulates the Soul Children of Chicago (SCC) on its 40th anniversary, a Grammy award-winning youth gospel choir founded by Walt W. Whitman Jr. in 1981 with 22 children

Recognizes SCC as a 501(c)(3) organization serving youth ages 7-17 from Chicago and suburban Cook County, promoting academic excellence and keeping youth free from gangs, drugs, and teen pregnancies through creative arts

Acknowledges the organization's community service, with youth members contributing more than 16 billion volunteer hours since its founding

Notes SCC's international expansion, including building wells in Monrovia, Liberia and establishing over 100 Soul Children choirs in countries including Norway, Sweden, Indonesia, Germany, and England

Directs that a copy of the resolution be presented to the Soul Children of Chicago as an expression of esteem and respect