HR0534 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0534 LRB102 21166 LAW 30182 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to recognize the life of Constance Renick Lane on the occasion of what would have been her 100th birthday; and

WHEREAS, Constance Lane was born to James Alexander and Nozella (Oda) Carmichael in Rockford on November 9, 1921; she graduated from Rockford Central High School at age 16; she earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from West Virginia State College in 1943 when it was uncommon for a Black woman to attend college; she later obtained her Master of Arts from Northwestern University; and

WHEREAS, Constance Lane became the first African American teacher in Rockford Public Schools in 1954; she became the first African American principal in Rockford Public Schools in 1966; and

WHEREAS, Constance Lane dedicated more than 30 years to enhancing the education of students in Rockford Public Schools, reaching the level of superintendent of elementary education; in addition, she taught mathematics at Rockford College for 16 years; and

WHEREAS, Constance Lane was active within her community and was a member of several boards, including the Rockford Public Library and the YWCA; and

WHEREAS, Constance Lane was a pioneer in Rockford's education system; her passion, dedication, and unwavering persistence broke barriers and inspired generations of young learners; she passed away on September 27, 2000 and November 9, 2021 marks the 100th anniversary of her birth; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize the life of Constance Renick Lane and what would have been her 100th birthday; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Constance Lane and the Constance Lane Elementary School as an expression of our deepest sympathy.