Written by Collins Staff Tuesday, 22 June 2010 15:09
"The global community is saddened by the loss of such a phenomenal human being. Amidst the dark struggle for peace and prosperity in Sudan, Manute has been a beacon of hope for his native land. A giant on and off the court, Manute Bol's work to provide civility and humanitarian aide will not be forgotten by the people of his homeland and those who cherish peace around the world. My thoughts and prayers are with Manute's family and friends in this difficult time." State Sen. Jacqueline Collins has been the Illinois legislature’s leader on issues related to the Sudan and Darfur. She was the chief sponsor and driving force behind the landmark Sudan divestment legislation in Illinois and has traveled and spoken extensively on the Darfur genocide. 
Illinois State Senator Jacqueline Y. Collins issued the following statement concerning the passing of Manute Bol:
16th District
Years served: 2003 - Present
Committee assignments: Committee of the Whole; Financial Institutions (Chairperson); Insurance (Vice-Chairperson); Appropriations I; Pensions and Investments; Environment; Subcommittee on Amendments; Subcomm.on Pension Enhancements; Subcommittee on Payday Loans.
Biography: Full-time state legislator. Born December 10th in McComb, Mississippi. Studied journalism at Northwestern University; MA from Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government; MA in Human Services Administration from Spertus College; MA in Theological Studies from Harvard Divinity School, June 2003. Former Emmy Award-nominated news editor at CBS-TV in Chicago, and 2001 Legislative Fellow with United States Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton.