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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING MR. ARTHUR L. MCCANN
WHEREAS, to “Serve and Protect” is the motto for a policeman. It was also the calling of a great servant leader, Sgt. Arthur L. McCann; and
WHEREAS, Arthur L. McCann was born in 1929 in Paive, Mississippi to parents Ollie and Martha McCann. Mr. McCann had a twin sister Lee Ethel and seven siblings total; and
WHEREAS, Mr. McCann’s parents joined the thousands of Mississippians seeking better opportunities during the Great Migration; and
WHEREAS, by 1933, the hard-working McCann family arrived in Chicago where Mr. McCann quickly discovered many of the injustices found in America’s southern States were present in his new city; however, these injustices would not keep him from seeking opportunity; and
WHEREAS, Mr. McCann would learn obedience, honesty, integrity, discipline, faith, and hard work from his mother Martha. As the youngest, Mr. McCann received additional guidance from his older brothers, five of which would serve in the Army, Air Force, and Navy; and
WHEREAS, young Arthur watched his older brothers work hard, who in turn, expected nothing less from young Arthur; and
WHEREAS, the streets of Chicago were tough, but the family soon found a church home and fatherly guidance under the teaching of the late great, Bishop Louis H. Ford; and
WHEREAS, the McCann family would be one of the first families of Ford’s St. Paul Church of God in Christ founded in 1937. Mr. McCann’s mother and sister would serve as missionaries in the church while Mr. McCann and his oldest brother would be Deacons, serving over 60 years; and
WHEREAS, a young Arthur attended Farren Elementary and thrived at DuSable High School where he would build lifelong friendships with young men and women who would become African- American community leaders and trail blazers of Chicago. Mr. McCann developed friendships with such future leaders as former Chicago Mayor Harold Washington and former Cook County Commissioner and Cook County Board President John Stroger. Making friends was easy for Mr. McCann, known affectionately as “Art”. Mr. McCann’s great personality, people skills, humor, and well-groomed appearance made him an engaging and welcomed member of any conversation. His love of history and art lead him to take up sketching and painting. An ability noticed by his teachers; and
WHEREAS, In 1952, Mr. McCann followed in his brothers’ footsteps to serve his country in the United States Marine Corp. The U.S. Marine Corps’ guiding principles ‘Improvise Adapt & Overcome” would be foundational in his life. Throughout his life Mr. McCann would prioritize visiting veterans at Jessie Brown VA and Saturday meetings with the men in Washington Park; and
WHEREAS, Mr. McCann’s pride and joy was his family. Mr. McCann met his lovely wife of 51 years, Dr. Alice Faye Sharp-McCann at St. Paul Church of God in Christ. They would marry on March 7, 1970 and have three daughters, Tammy, Allison, and April, raising his girls in the South Shore neighborhood; and
WHEREAS, Mr. McCann’s girls brightened his life and gave him five grandchildren, to whom he was “Pa Pa”. Each day Mr. McCann would find a new way to love and spoil his children. Mr. McCann often engaged in deep discussions with his son-in laws and nephews. When asked “what’s the secret to a good life?” Mr. McCann said, “giving to others, work hard, and be a good steward over your family and finances”; and
WHEREAS, Mr. McCann was a role model to the boys in his family and community. Never a man to dress down, Mr. McCann always wore a suit or sport coat and slacks. Mr. McCann’s nephews often said how they admired how well Mr. McCann dressed and lived. Mr. McCann demonstrated principles of manhood emphasizing Faith, Family, And Community; and
WHEREAS, Mr. McCann applied to become a Chicago Police Officer after returning home from active duty with the intent to continue to serve his community as he served his country. Mr. McCann was the only African- American in his class and on March 1,1957, The City of Chicago swore Mr. McCann in as a police officer. Mr. McCann began a career working as a Youth Officer at Central Headquarters; and
WHEREAS, Arthur devoted his services to mentoring young assailants while assisting the families with finding support through his work on special assignments concerning youth gangs. Mr. McCann became highly decorated with numerous awards highlighting his dedication, service, and commitment to the community he served; and
WHEREAS, in 1968, Arthur was the only African American in his graduating class promoted to the rank of Sergeant. The Chicago Police Department assigned Mr. McCann to the Intelligence Division, Youth Divisions, Vice Control Unit, Gambling, and Prostitution units. He would later receive an Honorable Mention for apprehending a purse snatcher while off duty with his family; and
WHEREAS, Mr. McCann’s character, work ethic, and love for the uniform made him a sought after officer from many commanders in the Chicago Police Department. Mr. McCann committed his service to protecting others providing additional pro-bono services to dignitaries as personal security. Mr. McCann’s work ethic was unmatched with his simple attitude “work hard, do your best, and help others”; and
WHEREAS, Mr. McCann would later take on the roles of Director of Security at Loop College and Investigator Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office Child Support Division after spending most of his career with the Chicago Police Department; and
WHEREAS, Mr. McCann’s storied career allowed him to serve under five mayors, witness the election of Chicago’s first Black Mayor, the election of America’s first Black President, the election of the first Black Female Vice President, and the election of Chicago’s first Black Female Mayor; and
WHEREAS, Mr. McCann was always ready to serve. Mr. McCann understood the value of engagement in the community and modelling his engagement through dedication for those who saw him as a role model. Mr. McCann served on the 7200 S. Luella Block Club, South Shore Commission, Operation PUSH, NAACP, Urban League, Fifth Ward Democratic Organization, YMCA, George L. Giles American Legion Post #87, Scout Master Boy Scouts of America, and numerous police associations. Mr. McCann was friends with and supported the political campaigns of many past and current office holders and provided security support at polling places on election day; and
WHEREAS, Mr. McCann retired from the Chicago Police Department in 1986 after 29 years of dedicated and decorated service. Mr. McCann was also a proud United States Marine Veteran and retired Investigator Cook County State’s Attorney. Moreover, Mr. McCann served as Director of Security for The Blackstone Hotel and Loop College currently known as Harold Washington College. If you met Mr. McCann, you loved him. Mr. McCann was the epitome of “Officer Friendly” and because of his compassionate nature, he developed the engagement skills necessary to build rapport with anyone; and
WHEREAS, After retiring, Mr. McCann continued serving at St. Paul Church of God In Christ Community Development Corporation on its Deacon Board as Treasurer, church trustee, and advisor to many community leaders and friends; and
WHEREAS, on March 28th, 2021 Arthur L. McCann transitioned this life to join his beloved family who preceded him in death. They include Parents Ollie and Martha Battle McCann, his sisters: Ruth and Lee Ethel, his brothers: Wilbert, Willard, Eddie Lee, Ezra, James and Leo. He is survived by his Loving wife Alice Faye, his living legacy includes Daughters, Tammy (Anthony), Allison (Eric Sr.) & April: Grandchildren Eric Jr., Safiyah, Adam, Ian, and Chad Arthur. He will continue to be loved and remembered by a host of loving in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and church members; and
WHEREAS, Arthur L. McCann was a proud Chicagoan, husband, father, and friend. Mr. McCann was a beloved and cherished resident and neighbor of the 5th Ward and 3rd Cook County District. Mr. McCann’s life was full, and he leaves a legacy and a lifetime of “Good Works That Shall Speak For Him”.; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, I, BILL LOWRY, COOK COUNTY COMMISSIONER of the 3rd DISTRICT, do hereby stand, and salute the life changing work Arthur L. McCann.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this Resolution will be presented to the family of Arthur L. McCann.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED: That a copy of this Resolution will be filed within the Office of Cook County Commissioner Bill Lowry 3rd District. that the Cook County Board of Commissioners does hereby do what you are suggesting or endorsing with this resolution.
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