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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RESOLUTION HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MALIK T. MURRAY
WHEREAS, Malik T. Murray was a distinguished leader, visionary professional, and beloved son of Cook County whose profound contributions to business, education, and community empowerment leaves a lasting legacy across Chicago and beyond; and
WHEREAS, Malik T. Murray exemplified the highest ideals of service, leadership, and compassion, leaving an indelible imprint upon the City of Chicago, Cook County, and the countless lives he touched through his professional excellence, philanthropic endeavors, and personal generosity; and
WHEREAS, Malik was born and raised in the South Shore neighborhood of Chicago, the cherished son of the Honorable Leonard Murray, Judge of the Cook County Circuit Court, and the late Linda Diane Gray Murray, a respected educator whose influence inspired Malik’s lifelong commitment to education, equity, and civic service; and
WHEREAS, Malik's journey of excellence began at St. Philip Neri Elementary School and continued at St. Ignatius College Prep, where he distinguished himself as a scholar-athlete, embodying the Ignatian ideal of being a "Man for Others" through academic achievement and athletic excellence; and
WHEREAS, Malik pursued higher education at DePaul University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in finance, competed as a four-year letter winner on the men’s basketball team, and later obtained an MBA in finance from the Kellstadt Graduate School of Business, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to intellectual and professional growth; and
WHEREAS, Malik built an extraordinary career in finance, beginning at Bank One Brokerage and culminating at Ariel Investments, where he faithfully served for over two decades as Senior Vice President and Head of Business Development, distinguished by his strategic vision, principled leadership, and client-first philosophy; and
WHEREAS, Malik’s influence extended far beyond his professional success, as he selflessly mentored aspiring leaders, championed diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and cultivated opportunities for underserved communities throughout Chicago; and
WHEREAS, Malik’s devotion to education was demonstrated through his board service at DePaul University and St. Ignatius College Prep, where he not only provided strategic guidance but also established two transformative endowments - the Linda Diane Gray Murray Excellence Through Education, Equity and Inclusion Endowment at St. Ignatius, and a scholarship at DePaul promoting excellence in basketball and finance; and
WHEREAS, Malik’s profound generosity, humility, and compassion earned him universal admiration, while his legacy of mentorship, community leadership, and public service will continue to inspire future generations; and
WHEREAS, the untimely passing of Malik T. Murray at the age of 50 is a tremendous loss to his family, friends, colleagues at Ariel Investments, and the broader community that he served with such devotion and love;
NOW, THEREFORE, WE, BILL LOWRY, COOK COUNTY COMMISSIONER OF THE 3rd DISTRICT, AND TONI PRECKWINKLE, PRESIDENT OF THE COOK COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONER, on behalf of the residents of Cook County, does hereby celebrate the extraordinary life and enduring contributions of Malik T. Murray, whose impact will continue to shape our community for years to come; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners extends its deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Malik’s father, Leonard Murray; his sisters, Nubia Murray Davis and Kai Murray; his brother, Kamau Murray; and all who were privileged to know and love him; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be presented to the family of Malik T. Murray as a lasting tribute to his remarkable legacy and in grateful acknowledgment of his exceptional life of service of the Office of Cook County Commissioner Bill Lowry 3rd.
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