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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE LIFE OF TRACEY ANN DANIEL ALSTON
WHEREAS, Almighty God in His infinite wisdom called from our midst Tracey Ann Daniel Alston, on February 25, 2026; and
WHEREAS, Tracey Ann Daniel Alston was born on December 4, 1961, in Gary, Indiana, to Thomas Daniel Sr. and Freddia Daniel. She shared an extraordinary and unbreakable bond with her parents, a bond rooted in love, guidance, and unwavering support. Bolstered by the love and support of her endearing grandparents. From that foundation, she developed the independence, confidence, and trailblazing spirit that would define her life; and
WHEREAS, from an early age, Tracey was marked by an unmistakable presence. A proud graduate of Indiana State University, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education before pursuing a second Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism from Columbia College in Chicago. Her dual passions for education and media became the foundation for a groundbreaking career defined by vision, courage, and impact; and
WHEREAS, at just 25 years old, Tracey made history as the youngest female owner of a radio station in the country when she became co-owner of WBEE Jazz Radio 1570 AM in Harvey, Illinois. What began as bold ambition evolved into a lifelong commitment to storytelling, advocacy, and elevating the voices of the African American community; and
WHEREAS, in 1994, Tracey became the Founder and Owner of the Danielle Ashley Group, an award-winning marketing and public relations firm named after her daughters. The agency began by developing the inaugural campaign for Cook County Board President John Stroger, Jr., then later established its focus on community-driven marketing and public relations efforts. Through its sister companies, the Educational Network and the First Ladies Health Initiative, she created platforms that bridged education, healthcare, corporate America, and faith communities throughout the nation; and
WHEREAS, the Educational Network, co-founded with her mother, produced the nationally recognized Black History HBCU Calendar, celebrating academic excellence and preserving cultural legacy. The First Ladies Health Initiative, sponsored by Walgreens for over two decades, mobilized nearly 300 pastors’ wives across Illinois, Indiana, and California to open their church doors for free health screenings and life-saving education. Through these efforts, thousands received access to preventative care, and countless lives were impacted; and
WHEREAS, her corporate and civic partnerships spanned some of the nation’s most respected organizations, including Walgreens, ComEd, the DuSable Museum, Illinois Department of Transportation, the United States Census, Illinois Lottery, L’Oreal, Soft Sheen Carson, Gilead, Pfizer, and Bristol Myers Squibb. Tracey also lent her strategic brilliance to notable political leaders including John Stroger Sr., Mayor John H. Daley, Vice President Al Gore, Rod Blagojevich, Emil Jones and Senator Rev. James Meeks; and
WHEREAS, her excellence earned governmental proclamations and honors from Mayor Rahm Emanuel of Chicago, Mayor Eric Garcetti of Los Angeles, Mayor John Cranley of Cincinnati, Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson of Gary, Congresswoman Robin Kelly, Congressman Danny Davis, Congresswoman Karen Bass, and Congresswoman Maxine Waters, each recognizing her service, leadership, and transformative community impact; and
WHEREAS, Tracey met the love of her life, Marcus Alston, in the most divine and memorable way, at a bank. Her license plate read “Tracey,” and Marcus boldly called out her name to get her attention. They exchanged numbers that day and were inseparable from that moment forward. Their love story blossomed into a beautiful marriage on October 16, 1987, a union rooted in faith, loyalty, and partnership that spanned 38 extraordinary years; and
WHEREAS, together, Tracey and Marcus built a life anchored in love and from that union came her greatest treasures, her three daughters, whom she lovingly called her “three heartbeats”: Marquise, Taylor, and Morgan Alston. As a mother, Tracey was intentional, nurturing, and fiercely protective. She poured into her daughters daily, ensuring they were educated, cultured, confident, and fully prepared to walk boldly in their purpose. Marquise, Taylor and Morgan, are proud college graduates, Marquise and Taylor of Spelman College, and Morgan of the University of Tennessee. All three stand as living reflections of her legacy - and of her unwavering belief in excellence; and
WHEREAS, her love multiplied when she became “Nani” to her beloved grandson, “Baby Reignn”. If her daughters were her heartbeats, Reignn was her overflow. She cherished every smile, every laugh, every moment. Being a grandmother was her greatest joy and she embraced it fully; and
WHEREAS, travel was one of Tracey’s greatest passions, a love instilled in her by her mother. Throughout her life, she explored the world with curiosity and gratitude. She traveled to Africa for a mission trip, journeyed to Hawaii, China, Finland, Paris, and visited countless destinations around the globe. Yet her favorite place on earth was Martha’s Vineyard. It was her happy place. She often spoke of its calming spirit and restorative beauty. Nearly every summer, she spent close to a month there, bringing together family and friends whom she lovingly called “The Peaches”. Those summers created memories that will echo for generations; and
WHEREAS, Tracey was deeply committed to her faith and her church home, Salem Baptist Church of Chicago, where she served faithfully as an usher. She loved being present in the house of the Lord, welcoming others with warmth and dignity; and
WHEREAS, she was also a dedicated member of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. for nearly 17 years, serving in multiple leadership roles including President of the South Suburban Chicago Chapter and on the National Board. She was a member of The Links, Incorporated, Chicago Carats, and served on several corporate boards. In every space she entered, she carried elegance, excellence, and expectation; and
WHEREAS, her life was one of purpose. Her work was one of impact. Her love was one of depth. Yet beyond every accolade and achievement, Tracey’s greatest joy was her family. She did not simply build businesses, she built bridges. She did not simply host events, she created memories. She did not simply lead, she lifted; and
WHEREAS, she is survived by her son Bretrand (Candace LaDonne) Jones; one sister, Barbara A. Davis; two brothers. Maurice Williams and Rodney Williams; grandchildren, Michael (Natalie) Banks, Valencia M. (daughter of Dwana Roby) and Julia A. M. Jones (Daughter of Marcia Jones), great-grandsons, Nuri and Nile Banks, and Jahvi and Jah'Siah Jones; bonus grandchildren Crystiona and Alex Maiden, Tika Rayson, Ashton and Ramond Walker; and great-grandchildren, McKell Morgan, Riley Mellis, Maleenah and Legend Walker, and Prince Smith;
WHEREAS, Tracey leaves to cherish her memory her loving husband Marcus; her devoted daughters Marquise, Taylor, and Morgan; her cherished grandson Reignn; her son in laws Brian Allison and Aaron Cleveland; her brothers Thomas Daniel Jr. and Cullen (Davie) Daniel; sisters-in-law Cheryl (Earl Bibbs), Vanessa (Wilbert Montes), and Marcia; a host of nieces, nephews, godchildren, cousins, lifelong friends, mentees, and community partners whose lives are forever better because she walked among them; and
WHEREAS, though Tracey’s earthly work concluded on February 25, 2026, her legacy lives on in every life she touched, every person she empowered, every family she strengthened, every community she served, and in the generations who will walk confidently because she paved the way;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Members of the Cook County Board of Commissioners do hereby honor the life of Tracey Ann Daniel Alston as a distinguished member of the community and exemplary servant; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT, this text be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body and a suitable copy be presented to the family of Tracey Ann Daniel Alston so that her memory may be so honored and ever cherished.
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