by Veronica Hilbring via essence.com
Former President Barack Obama has been honored with his very own holiday in the state of Illinois.
Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner signed into law Friday a measure to designate August 4th as “Barack Obama Day.” The holiday will be celebrated statewide on President Obama’s birthday, beginning in 2018. Gov. Rauner praised the commemorative holiday but stopped short of making it a legal holiday. “It’s incredibly proud for Illinois that the president came from Illinois. I think it’s awesome, and I think we should celebrate it. I don’t think it should be a formal holiday with paid, forced time off, but I think it should be a day of acknowledgment and celebration.”
Senate Bill 55 reads the holiday will be “observed throughout the State as a day set apart to honor the 44th President of the United States of America who began his career serving the People of Illinois in both the Illinois State Senate and the United States Senate, and dedicated his life to protecting the rights of Americans and building bridges across communities.”
The bill was introduced by Sen. Emil Jones III who helped launch Obama’s Senate campaign in 2004. Jones also considers himself to be Obama’s political godfather.
To read and see more, go to: Barack Obama Day | Essence.com
Posts tagged as “Bruce Rauner”
NBC Chicago – Desiree Rogers is adding another line to her resume. Mayor Rahm Emanuel tapped the former White House social secretary to chair the board of Choose Chicago.
Rogers is currently the CEO of Ebony and Jet. Choose Chicago is a marketing organization that works to lure businesses, tourists and conventions to the city. Rogers takes over for Bruce Rauner, who is expected to run for Illinois governor on the Republican ticket.
Rogers and Emanuel worked together in the Obama White House during his time as chief of staff. Click here to read more.
article by Marcus Riley via thegrio.com