title
PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RESOLUTION HONORING THE REMARKABLE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MYLES LEE REED SR.
WHEREAS, it is both fitting and proper that the Cook County Board of Commissioners pauses to recognize and celebrate the extraordinary life and enduring contributions of Myles Lee Reed Sr., who was born on January 26, 1925, in Lorman, Mississippi - a man distinguished by an unshakable faith, a profound commitment to community, and a tireless devotion to the uplift of his fellow citizens; and
WHEREAS, Myles Lee Reed Sr., the devoted husband of the late Barbara Nell Wilkerson Reed, was also the loving and guiding patriarch to his children - Myles Lee Jr., Frank, Darryl, Brenda, Ronald, and Claude - exemplifying the virtues of steadfast fatherhood and principled leadership within his family and beyond; and
WHEREAS, as a young man, Mr. Reed migrated to Omaha, Nebraska, where he would embark on the foundational chapters of a life characterized by purpose, resilience, and service. In his formative years, he nobly answered the call of duty, serving in the United States Army, and upon completing his service, availed himself of the GI Bill to pursue higher education. At the University of Nebraska, he pledged the esteemed Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education - a testament to his unwavering belief in the power of education and fraternity; and
WHEREAS, in the late 1950s, Mr. Reed relocated to the great city of Chicago, Illinois, where he raised his growing family and continued his dedication to professional and civic advancement. He distinguished himself as a Job Development Specialist and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Officer, and furthered his advocacy through instrumental roles at institutions such as the Olivet Institute, Jobs Now Project, and the Borg-Warner Corporation - where, notably, he served as one of the first Black executives in the 1960s; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Reed’s professional acumen was matched only by his civic engagement, as he worked closely with organizations like the Chicago Urban League and the Ada S. McKinley Foundation to dismantle barriers to opportunity and promote economic empowerment throughout the South Side of Chicago; and
WHEREAS, profoundly civic-minded and deeply invested in the betterment of his community, Mr. Reed twice campaigned for the position of Alderman in Chicago’s 21st Ward - a reflection of his enduring commitment to equitable representation and the democratic process; and
WHEREAS, a man of both intellect and athletic prowess, Mr. Reed played semi-professional baseball with the Dukes of the Washington Park Baseball League well into his early forties, and generously shared his expertise and mentorship as a coach of the Orioles of the Jackie Robinson West Little League - nurturing the athletic and personal growth of countless youth in Brainard Park; and
WHEREAS, as a current resident of Chicago’s Fifth Ward, Mr. Reed is not only celebrated for the longevity of his life, now having surpassed the remarkable milestone of 100 years, but also for the indelible impact he has made on generations of Chicagoans through his wisdom, moral clarity, and enduring acts of service; and
WHEREAS, his century-long journey through American life bears witness to the transformative power of perseverance, education, family, faith, and public service - qualities that define a legacy which continues to inspire those who have the privilege of knowing him; and
NOW, THEREFORE, WE, BILL LOWRY, COOK COUNTY COMMISSIONER OF THE 3rd DISTRICT, AND TONI PRECKWINKLE, PRESIDENT OF THE COOK COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONER, assembled this day, does hereby extend its highest commendation and most heartfelt congratulations to Myles Lee Reed Sr. for reaching the extraordinary milestone of 100 years of life and for his decades of invaluable service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the community, the city, and the county he calls home; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be presented to Myles Lee Reed Sr. and his family as a permanent testament to his monumental contributions and as a symbol of the profound esteem in which he is held by the people of the Office of Cook County Commissioner Bill Lowry 3rd.
end