While Governor, Pat Quinn honored extraordinary men, women, and groups who contributed to their communities and improved the lives of others. This diverse group of humanitarians, artists, writers, public servants, and everyday people bring us together again and again.
Dr. Quentin Young said, “Everybody in, nobody left out.” He used that maxim in terms of decent healthcare for everyone, but it is a principle which can be applied universally to individuals who bring us together again and again.
View NPR's Morning Shift.
View the Governor’s Office Press Release of Quinn Unveiling Mandela Road in Chicago.
View the Governor’s Office Statement on the Passing of President Nelson Mandela.
While he was attending Georgetown University, Gov. Quinn was a student in two classes of Professor Jan Karski, a World War II hero who risked his life to reveal the horrors of the Holocaust to the world.
View the Governor’s Office Press Release of Quinn Proclaiming April 24 Jan Karski Day in Illinois.
View the Governor’s Office Press Release of Quinn Proclaiming January 30 as "Fred Korematsu Day" in Illinois.
View the Governor’s Office Korematsu Proclamation.
For more information about the Korematsu Institute, please click here.
On December 31, 2014, Gov. Quinn issued posthumous pardons for three Illinois abolitionists who were found guilty of working on the Underground Railroad before the Civil War. Dr. Richard Eells of Quincy and Julius and Samuel Willard of Jacksonville were convicted more than 170 years ago based on previous laws in Illinois that prohibited citizens from helping runaway slaves.
View the Governor’s Office Press Release of Quinn Issuing Posthumous Pardons for Three Illinois Abolitionists.
View the Herald-Whig's Black History Month a time to remember, refocus.
When they go low, we go high
Michelle Obama
On November 25, 2014, Gov. Quinn congratulated Abner Mikva of Illinois for receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest honor, from President Barack Obama. Mikva had served as a federal judge for 15 years, a U.S. congressman for eight years, and as White House Counsel under President Bill Clinton.
View the Governor’s Office Press Release of Quinn Statement on Abner Mikva Receiving Nation's Highest Civilian Honor.
"Do all the good you can, for all the people you can, in all the ways you can, as long as ever you can.”
Hillary Rodham Clinton
.jpg)