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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MARC LOVELESS
WHEREAS, Almighty God in His infinite wisdom has called Marc Zohntell Loveless from our midst on March 9, 2020 at the age of 58; and
WHEREAS, Marc Loveless was born in Detroit, Michigan, to Benny Dunn Loveless, an electrical engineer and founding member of the local AFSCME union; his mother, Margret, was a cosmetologist, business owner, and cosmetology instructor on March 23, 1961; and
WHEREAS, Marc Loveless attended Redford High School and earned a bachelor's degree from Wayne State University, both in Detroit, and worked in his own consultancy, doing public policy analysis and freelance lobbying, on from 1984; and
WHEREAS, Marc Loveless was known as a devoted leader, public servant, civil rights activist, and an HIV/AIDS advocate; and
WHEREAS, Marc Loveless actively served as a commissioner on the Cook County Commission on Social Innovation since its inception, crafting policy solutions to strengthen Chicago’s inner-city and the Southland of Cook County; and
WHEREAS, the Commission on Social Innovation was always enriched by his presence and motivated by his spirit; and
WHEREAS, Marc Loveless often reminded colleagues that “doing nothing is not an option” and lived faithfully by that mantra, dedicating his time to a number of causes and organizations to advance the rights of African American and LGBTQ communities in Illinois and Chicago; and
WHEREAS, Marc Loveless was the founder of the Coalition for Justice and Respect, an African American, LGBTQ agency that advocates for social justice, civil rights, and addressing health disparities; and
WHEREAS, the Coalition for Justice and Respect has described Marc Loveless as “a good-hearted man filled with empathy and the strength of a tireless warrior;” and
WHEREAS, the Coalition for Justice and Respect further noted “the advocacy vacuum left as a result of Marc's untimely death is immeasurable;” and
WHEREAS, Marc Loveless was a trailblazer as one of the first openly gay elected officials in the City of Chicago; and
WHEREAS, Marc Loveless was the primary organizer of the Critical Caucus, a coalition of Black LGBTQ organizations in Chicago; and
WHEREAS, Marc Loveless served with Rainbow/PUSH as the Interim National Director of the Community Services Department and a founder of the Black Health Alert initiative; and
WHEREAS, as political director of Black Health Alert, Marc Loveless was instrumental in the passing of the State of Illinois' African American HIV/AIDS Response Act -addressing the HIV/AIDS crisis and health disparities facing African American communities; and
WHEREAS, was also a member of the grassroots leadership team that passed the Quality of Life Illinois Scratch-off Lottery Ticket, an act which created a new stream of funding, raising over $11 million for HIV/AIDS research, prevention, and care; and
WHEREAS, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago CEO and President John Peller said of Marc Loveless' passing "Chicago has lost an unstoppable advocate, champion for the voiceless and fierce fighter for justice;" and
WHEREAS, Marc Loveless has been recognized for his leadership through the Human Rights Award from Creativity United, the Drum Major Award by President Barack Obama, the Trailblazer Award from Fathers Who Care, and the Hope and Spirit Award from the Chicago Department of Public Health; and
WHEREAS, Marc Loveless was the CEO of Loveless Consulting, a social enterprise dedicated to advancing social good through the promotion of justice and civil rights; and
WHEREAS, Marc Loveless also served as President of Southside Democracy for America, a director on the Board of Directors of the Illinois Common Cause, a Member of the Community Advisory Board for Chicago Public Radio, a director on the Board of Directors for the National Action Network, and a Board Member on the Board of the Men and Women in Prison Ministries; and
WHEREAS, Marc Loveless was known for his compassionate, friendly demeanor and inspiring activism and he will be missed by many; and
WHEREAS, Marc Loveless may be remembered by his motivating words: “Unlocking the chains of oppression begin when we accept ourselves. In affirming ourselves and each other, we build a stronger community that will allow others to reach their full potential individually and the community as a whole.”
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Cook County Board President and Board of Commissioners hereby honor the tremendous legacy of Marc Loveless, a tireless champion for civil and LGBTQ rights whose service here in Cook County Government and in so many other spaces has inspired us all.
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