Speaker Welch Receives “Gentle Warrior Award”
CHICAGO, Ill. – House Speaker Emanuel ‘Chris’ Welch was recently honored with the 2024 A. Phillip Randolph “Gentle Warrior Award,” a prestigious award reserved for those who are champions for people of color and the most vulnerable. Speaker Welch was celebrated alongside Civil Rights icon, Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., last week at a gala and fundraiser for the National A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum.
“Equality is the heart and essence of democracy, freedom, and justice. A. Philip Randolph didn’t just say those words, he embodied them,” said Speaker Welch. “To receive an award that bears the name of such an influential figure in our nation’s history, is truly an honor. I know that I’m in the position I am today, as Illinois’ first Black speaker, because of champions like Mr. Randolph, Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. and so many others who came before me. I also know that is my responsibility in this role to continue breaking down barriers for working families and to further advance our shared mission of equality of opportunity for all Illinoisans.
“I want to thank my greatest support system – my wife, ShawnTe, my children, and my family for allowing me to pursue my dreams and always believing in me. I also want to thank David Peterson and Dr. Hughes for selecting me for this honor and for keeping A. Philip Randolph’s legacy alive. He told us that ‘freedom is never given; it is won’ and together we will continue building a better, more equitable future for all.”
The NAPRPPM is the only museum to bear the name A. Philip Randolph, founder of the first Black labor union in the nation. The “Gentle Warrior Award” is presented to those who exhibit similar commitment and tenacity that Randolph displayed throughout his life of advocacy.
"To receive the A. Philip Randolph ‘Gentle Warrior Award’ is an incredible honor and not something we take lightly during our selection process,” said Dr. Lyn Hughes, Founder of the NAPRPPM. “The significance of Mr. Randolph’s work transcends race, gender, and ethnic boundaries.
“Candidates are selected based on the positive difference they make in the communities they serve. Admirably, Speaker Welch, who is still a relatively young man, has already established an impressive portfolio of groundbreaking, impactful work.
“Not only did he make history by becoming the first African American Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives, but he truly cares about people and will do what is necessary to serve them. Young Black males everywhere need to know about him, for he is indeed a role model and worthy of this distinguished honor."
To read more about Speaker Welch’s “Gentle Warrior Award,” check out this Chicago Crusader article.
Speaker Welch inducted into Cook County Bar Association Hall of Fame
Last week, Speaker Welch was also inducted into the Cook County Bar Association Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame recognizes distinguished members of the CCBA and members of the legal community that meet specific criteria, with the highest consideration given to individuals who have practiced law for at least 40 years or who have excelled in the legal profession.
“A giant among men, Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, was chosen as a Cook County Bar Association 2024 Hall of Fame Inductee because of his historic ascendence to become the Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives, the first Black lawmaker to ever hold such a position,” said CCBA President, Raymond D. Rushing. “We are very proud of Speaker Welch and honored that he is a member and now Hall of Fame Inductee of the CCBA.”
“When I entered law school, it was because I had a passion for helping people,” said Speaker Welch. “I never imagined my path would lead me to the Speaker’s office, but my passion remains the same. Every day I wake up with a deep desire to help people in my community and across this state. I’m grateful for this recognition by the CCBA and I know that I join some incredible leaders in the legal community. Thank you for your support and for all you do for the African American community.”
The Cook County Bar Association holds the distinctive honor of the oldest African American bar association in the country. Since its inception, the CCBA has been at the forefront of legal issues of concern to the Black community. It is dedicated to serving Black attorneys and judges, as well as the Black community to ensure fair and just representation in the court system.
