2007 Senate Resolution 24
ENGROSSED RESOLUTION
Relating to: the life and public service of Reverend Richard Kirkendoll.
Whereas, the Reverend Richard Kirkendoll was a leading voice in the fight for civil rights during the Open Housing Marches in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in the 1960's; and
Whereas, the Reverend Richard Kirkendoll was described as "the Black Moses" to Father James Groppi's "White Moses" for their dedication to the Open Housing Marches, with Reverend Kirkendoll known to participate in every march that took place; and
Whereas, the Reverend Richard Kirkendoll was particularly known for his personal protection of children who participated in the marches, including sheltering them at his church and, at a particularly violent march at the 16th Street Viaduct, telling a young girl "Come on, baby, get behind me. I'll protect you"; and
Whereas, the Reverend Richard Kirkendoll lived a life of service to his country and community prior to the Open Housing Marches, enlisting in the United States Navy during World War II before moving to Milwaukee and serving as a counselor with ICDP, the Inner City Development Program; and
Whereas, the adoption of this senate resolution is supported not only by the senate, but also by members of the assembly, including specifically Representatives Young, Grigsby, Turner, Zepnick, Sheridan, and Toles; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the senate, That the members of the Wisconsin senate honor the life and service of the Reverend Richard Kirkendoll for his dedication in the face of often extreme adversity to the civil rights and the future of our children of Milwaukee and for the benefit of his community.
