RECOGNIZING CLARENCE HENDRICKS FOR 60 YEARS OF PUBLIC SERVICE

RECOGNIZING CLARENCE HENDRICKS FOR 60 YEARS OF PUBLIC SERVICE

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 25 (Thursday, February 6, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 25 (Thursday, February 6, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E103] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING CLARENCE HENDRICKS FOR 60 YEARS OF PUBLIC SERVICE ______ HON. JONATHAN L. JACKSON of illinois in the house of representatives Thursday, February 6, 2025 Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Clarence Hendricks, a great friend and leader in the City of Chicago, for his 60 years in public service and to congratulate him on his retirement. Mr. Hendricks worked for Paradise Haven Homes for 25 years as a Service Coordinator. His dedication to this role, which significantly improved the lives of the elderly and disabled, earned him over 36 certificates of appreciation for public service. His commitment did not go unnoticed. In 2010, he was inducted into the Mayor Daley Senior Citizen Hall of Fame, a testament to the profound impact of his work. Prior to working for the Paradise Haven Homes, he worked for the City of Chicago for 32 years in the Department of Planning and Development as a Planner and Advisor. Aside from his leadership in his employment, he was also a leader in the community. He served as a longtime member of PUSH Coalition, an organization founded by my father, Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., in 1996. For 25 years, he has attended the Cook County Christmas Jail program with the PUSH Coalition. He is a committed PUSH Coalition advocate, and I appreciate that. It means so much for me to watch a public servant breaded in cold Chicago to be out fighting for civil rights and social justice. Furthermore, Mr. Hendricks also values legacy, something that I cherish as a legacy child. He is a member of the Progressive Way Church of God in Christ, where his father served as a pastor. Mr. Hendricks was his pianist for 36 years and performed with the church choir all around the city of Chicago. Mr. Hendricks was born on September 20, 1943, and has lived all his life in Chicago, IL. He was the third oldest boy out of eight siblings. In 1971, he earned a bachelor's degree in Sociology from the University of Illinois. Additionally, he also studied urban planning at Roosevelt University and is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. As a retiree, Mr. Hendricks plans to spend more time with his wife, Jean Hendricks, whom he has been married to for 44 years. He also has five sons: Kenneth, Clarence, Jr., Kevin, Fountain, and David, one granddaughter, Brittany, and two grandsons, Jordan and Greyson. But his retirement does not mark the end of his public service. He plans to continue working with elected officials and fighting for civil justice, a testament to his unwavering commitment to the community. Clarence Hendricks has lived a good life of hard work. This man has been in public service since the age of 21. I personally thank him for his service. His retirement is well deserved. I thank Clarence Hendricks for his hard work and dedication to public service for my beautiful city of Chicago. His legacy will continue to inspire us all. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating the career and retirement of Clarence Hendricks. ____________________