Written by J. Collins Staff Thursday, 29 September 2011 14:08
CHICAGO –State Senator Jacqueline Y. Collins (D-Chicago) pitched in with Chicago Bulls star point guard, Derrick Rose, as he dedicated restorations at Murray Park in West Englewood this week. Rose first developed his basketball skills in West Englewood and Senator Collins currently represents the community.
On Tuesday, Rose, Collins and others surprised area youth with the dedication of new hoops, resurfaced courts and other improvements. Rose also held a basketball clinic for about 100 youth.
"It was great to work with Derrick and see youth in our community benefit from the improvements and the encouragement of a positive role model," Senator Collins said. "No matter what career our youth decide to pursue, access to quality parks, fitness from a young age and support from a home-grown star are sure to be of great benefit."
Rose’s partners, Powerade and Adidas, helped make this event possible. Powerade donated $20,000 to the Chicago Park District and those funds were designated to restore Murray Park. Adidas sponsored the basketball clinic and provided gifts for the youth in attendance.
Collins remains committed to improving local parks, providing youth programs and making Illinois neighborhoods safer.
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.