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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
COMMEMORATING THE LIFE, MANY ACCOMPLISHMENTS PIONEERING SPIRIT OF LLOYD WILLIAM SHEPARD
WHEREAS, Lloyd W. Shepard represented the best qualities of citizenship and humanity through his life-long work as an Omega Man, entrepreneur, a businessman and as a community leader who fought tirelessly for social justice and equal opportunity for all. When he died at the age of 74 he left behind a family, countless friends and a community enriched for having known him; and
WHEREAS, Lloyd W. Shepard was born and began his education in Topeka, Kansas; he graduated from Topeka High School, earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Washburn University and joined the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. Later, Lloyd continued his studies at DePaul University and Northeastern Illinois University, after moving to Evanston; and
WHEREAS, Lloyd W. Shepard will long be remembered for his work promoting economic opportunity and equality. It was that belief that lead him to form L.W. Shepard and Associates, a business that worked to promote opportunity for economically-disadvantaged business owners and to insure that they were included in the city of Evanston’s procurement and contracting opportunities; and
WHEREAS, Lloyd W. Shepard later brought his talents to the city of Evanston when he took on the task of Business Development Coordinator, where he played a major role in insuring that the city achieve compliance with their a minority-owned, women-owned and Evanston-based business contracts; and
WHEREAS, Lloyd W. Shepard successfully worked on the Minority Business Development Committee for nearly a decade monitoring the projects closely for compliance. One of his major accomplishments there was establishing guidelines and procedures to assist the city in achieving its goals to hire minority companies. Under his watch Evanston routinely met and often surpassed its annual target participation rate; and
WHEREAS, Lloyd W. Shepard brought that same passion and determination to fight for equality in business and applied it to promote educational opportunities for all students. Throughout his life, Lloyd Shepard was a supporter of organizations that promoted educational equality. He served on the Evanston School District 65 Long Range Planning Committee for nearly two years, where he addressed difficult and contentious issues like desegregation; and
WHEREAS, Lloyd W. Shepard loved all things African. He believed people were improved by learning about the African culture and its many contributions to western civilization. He helped craft a curriculum that was designed to empower peoples of the African diaspora. The African Centered Curriculum at Oakton Elementary is a program that has been thriving for nearly a decade; and
WHEREAS, Lloyd Shepard, along with his wife of over four decades, Terri pioneered the Coalition for Educational Equality which established an African History and Culture Club at Oakton Elementary school; and
WHEREAS, Lloyd W. Shepard freely and generously gave his time to his community. He served on the Evanston Human Relations Commission from 1991 to 1992. He served on the Minority Women and Evanston Business Enterprise Development Committee from 1998 to 1999 and coached many sports teams over the decades; and
WHEREAS, Lloyd W. Shepard’s unfailing loyalty and his great generosity of spirit won him the affection and respect of the community. He was a role model for all who knew him and will be deeply missed; and
WHEREAS, Lloyd Shepard will be sorely missed by his wife, Terri; his daughters: Temple, Tasha (Jason), his sons: Christopher, David (Leslie); five grandchildren, Trey, Peyton, Lloyd II, Jason, and Taryn, and several adopted sons Earl, Terron, Makhosi, Damerio and a host of loving and caring nieces, nephews, extended relatives and friends; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Commissioners of Cook County, on behalf of the 5.2 million residents of Cook County commemorates the extraordinary life and accomplishments of Lloyd Shepard, and herewith expresses its sincere gratitude for the invaluable contributions he has made to the Citizens of Cook County, Illinois; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this text be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body and a suitable copy of same be tendered to the family of Lloyd Shepard, that his memory may be so honoredend