Bill > SR0211

This resolution declares April 2025 as Assyrian American Heritage Month in Illinois, recognizing the significant historical and cultural contributions of the Assyrian people, who are an indigenous Semitic community originating from Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq, Syria, Turkey, and Iran). The resolution highlights the community's resilience in the face of historical persecution, including the Assyrian Genocide of 1915 and the Semele Massacre of 1933, and acknowledges the approximately 100,000 Assyrians living in Illinois, which represents the largest concentration of Assyrians in the United States. The resolution celebrates the Assyrian community's contributions to Illinois and the United States across various fields such as arts, business, media, law, politics, education, medicine, architecture, and engineering, and specifically recognizes the Assyrian New Year (Akitu) celebrated on April 1, which symbolizes rebirth and renewal. Additionally, the resolution notes the Chicago Assyrian community's planned parade on Honorary King Sargon Boulevard on April 6, 2025, to commemorate Assyrian New Year 6775, and mandates that a copy of the resolution be presented to the Assyrian American National Federation as a gesture of respect and recognition.

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=211&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SR&SessionID=114&GA=104