title
PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RESOLUTION HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF CHARLES ROY “CHUCK” BOWEN SR. November 23, 1933 – July 31, 2026
WHEREAS, Almighty God, in His infinite wisdom, called from our midst Charles Roy “Chuck” Bowen Sr., a distinguished public servant, political strategist, cultural preservationist, mentor, and steadfast advocate whose extraordinary life and service left an indelible imprint upon Chicago and Cook County; and
WHEREAS, Charles Roy Bowen Sr. was born on November 23, 1933, in Atlanta, Georgia, and moved to Chicago with his mother at the age of eight, where he established a remarkable legacy of civic engagement, political leadership, cultural stewardship, and community empowerment; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Bowen entered public and political life at a young age, distinguishing himself through his extraordinary ability to mobilize communities, cultivate coalitions, and navigate the institutions influencing the political and economic advancement of African Americans in Chicago; and
WHEREAS, throughout his consequential career, Mr. Bowen served as a trusted political liaison, strategist, advisor, and confidant, working alongside prominent leaders including Congressman William L. Dawson and Mayors Richard J. Daley and Richard M. Daley, while building enduring relationships among government, clergy, business leaders, and community institutions; and
WHEREAS, in 1982, Charles Roy Bowen Sr. was elected Cook County Commissioner, where he championed equity and helped advance Cook County’s affirmative action initiatives, expanding contracting opportunities for women and minorities and affirming that economic opportunity should be accessible to every community; and
WHEREAS, following his elected service, Mr. Bowen continued serving Cook County as Deputy Clerk of the Cook County Board, further exemplifying his lifelong commitment to public service and effective government; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Bowen was a devoted guardian of African American history and...
Click here for full text