*HR1546*
Introduced Version
HOUSE
RESOLUTION No. ___
Introduced by: Porter, Bartlett, Harris, Hatcher, Jackson,
Pack, Pryor, Shackleford, Smith V, Summers
____________________________________
1 A HOUSE RESOLUTION honoring Indianapolis native
2 Mike Epps.
3 Whereas, Michael Elliot Epps was born on November 18,
4 1970, in Indianapolis, Indiana;
5 Whereas, Mike Epps stars in and produces the
6 Emmy-nominated Netflix comedy series "The Upshaws". The
7 show is set in Indianapolis and has been nominated for multiple
8 NAACP Image Awards, including two for "Outstanding Actor
9 in a Comedy Series";
10 Whereas, Mike Epps's seventh stand-up special, "Ready to
11 Sell Out", premiered on Netflix in February 2024;
12 Whereas, Mike Epps and his wife, Kyra, were seen in the
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1 HGTV show "Buying Back the Block" helping to revitalize
2 homes in the Indianapolis community where he grew up. This
3 block is located at 21st Street and Carrollton Avenue;
4 Whereas, Mike Epps starred opposite Eddie Murphy in the
5 2019 comedy "Dolemite is My Name", which was nominated for
6 multiple Golden Globes and Critics' Choice Awards. It won the
7 NAACP Image Award for "Outstanding Independent Motion
8 Picture";
9 Whereas, Mike Epps was seen in HBO's Emmy-winning 2015
10 biopic "Bessie", based on the life of Bessie Smith (played by
11 Queen Latifah). Epps played Richard Morgan, a bootlegger
12 and romantic interest of Bessie Smith. The film won a Critics'
13 Choice Award for "Best Movie Made for Television" and
14 multiple Primetime Emmys, including one for "Outstanding
15 Television Movie";
16 Whereas, Mike Epps won a 2016 NAACP Image Award for
17 "Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series" for his portrayal
18 of Uncle Julius in the Starz series "Survivor's Remorse",
19 produced by LeBron James and Mike O'Malley;
20 Whereas, In 2001, Mike Epps was awarded an NAACP
21 Image Award for "Best Supporting Actor" for his role in the
22 Sony Pictures film "Jumping the Broom";
23 Whereas, Mike Epps has had roles in many Hollywood
24 movies, including "Next Friday", "Friday After Next", "All
25 About the Benjamins", "Hancock", "The Hangover" franchise,
26 and the "Resident Evil" franchise;
27 Whereas, Mike Epps has been seen in over 40 cities and
28 three continents performing stand-up comedy;
29 Whereas, In 2017, Mike Epps authored a memoir published
30 by Harper Collins called "Unsuccessful Thug" about growing
31 up around violence. In the book he describes how he used
32 comedy to build a better life for himself and others;
33 Whereas, Mike Epps has consistently given back to the city
34 of Indianapolis over the years by participating in many
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1 community events such as backpack, clothing, and food
2 giveaways; and
3 Whereas, Michael Elliot Epps has spoken to more than 20
4 schools and 40 community organizations in Indianapolis over
5 the years, offering encouragement and guidance regarding
6 life's ups and downs: Therefore,
7 Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the
8 General Assembly of the State of Indiana:
9 SECTION 1. That the Indiana House of Representatives
10 honors Indianapolis native Mike Epps for his outstanding career
11 and philanthropy in his Indianapolis community.
12 SECTION 2. That the Principal Clerk of the House of
13 Representatives shall transmit copies of this resolution to State
14 Representative Gregory Porter for distribution.
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