Welch read 'every book about' former President Obama, Chicago Mayor Washington

The Suburban Marquee honored Illinois House Speaker Emanuel Chris Welch (D-Hillside) as an"Outstanding Brother".

The Hillside Democrat became House speaker Jan. 13 — making him the first black legislator to hold the high-ranking position in Illinois.

"This is a big deal for communities of color," he told The Suburban Marquee. "It's a historic achievement that will have ripple effects because black kids can now see another person like them reach the upper echelon of public service and leadership. If you can see it, you can be it. If you believe it, you can achieve it."

As a child, his role models were black elected leaders such as former Chicago Mayor Harold Washington (1983-1987) and former President Barack Obama (2009-20017), Welch said.

"I've read every book about them," he said. "I've admired their principles and ideals and what they mean to the black community. While maintaining a deep attachment to the black community, they were able to help everyone."

Welch describes the recipe for his success as treating everyone well.

"Always be kind and be true to your word because your reputation will always precede you wherever you go," he said. "I learned a long time ago that people will doubt what you say, but believe what you do. So I lead through my actions more than anything."

Before becoming speaker, Welch served on his local school board for 12 years and eight years in the Illinois Legislature.

"On each step of the journey, I watched, listened and learned," he said. "In fact, I listened more than I talked. And I treated people with kindness, even those with whom I disagreed."

Partisanship should not interfere with civil discourse, Welch said.

"We have to be civil and compassionate in everything we do," he said. "There is no need for harsh partisan rhetoric. We will have disagreements, but we have to be professional about how we handle those disagreements."

Welch succeeded former Rep. Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) as speaker. Madigan was Illinois' longest-serving speaker. He failed to maintain the post after being linked to, although not charged, in a federal investigation about an alleged bribery scheme involving the utility company ComEd. Madigan has maintained that he did no wrongdoing.