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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE LIFE AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF EVELYN “EVIE” SHERMAN RADEN
WHEREAS, Evelyn “Evie” Sherman Raden, a relentless activist for social justice, has died after a long illness. She was 82. Evie was raised in Albany Park by Max and Mary Sherman, who instilled the crucial importance of building communities and fighting for justice; and
WHEREAS, Evie was a two-term alderwoman in Evanston, representing the 4th Ward. She was a long-time resident of Evanston who served as a passionate advocate for many causes before, during and after her two terms, earning a reputation for fearlessly standing up to powerful institutions and people. Her accomplishments on the Council include early advocacy for the Youth Job Center to aid Evanston youth in job placement and career counseling; support for Hecky Powell’s “Neighbors at Work”, a social service agency that provided food, utility, and housing support to needy Evanston residents; successful opposition to a semi-private pact between the City of Evanston and Northwestern to develop a research park west of downtown Evanston; and pushing for citizen input at Council meetings during the “Citizens’ First Speak-Out” time to address the council. When her time as an Alderwoman coincided with a turn to the right in the White House, she became a vibrant, articulate voice, responding locally to conservative policies at the national level; and
WHEREAS, Evie loved solving problems for her constituents as well. But the quality of what set her apart was her absolute refusal to remain quiet. When she thought regular people were being harmed by political decisions, destructive policies or systems, she was fearless in speaking out and battling for change. She could wear people down with her tenacity. “And she was always willing to go it alone, when she felt it was necessary to speak truth to power,” commented her son Tony; and
WHEREAS, Evie was pivotal in many campaigns at the local, state, and national levels. She served as the Executive Director of the Democratic Party of Evanston where she was known for her ability to mobilize people to attend local government meetings and support progressive causes. During her term as Executive Director, she led the efforts in 1992 that elected Bill Clinton and Carol Moseley Braun, the first female and first African American Senator from Illinois. She was an early supporter of Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky; and
WHEREAS, Evie was a convivial, welcoming host whose spirited, delicious dinners convened a diverse array of cultural, political, and social leaders. “At times it seemed like much of the progressive politics of Evanston of that era were plotted at our kitchen table” her son Tony reported; and
WHEREAS, before her political career, Evie was an active participant in the civil rights movement, the fight for the Equal Rights Amendment and other causes. “Demonstrations, rallies, political marches, and campaigns were a constant part of our childhood,” her son Tony recalled, adding: “She had me in a stroller at the protests at the 1968 Convention;” and
WHEREAS, grieving her loss and remembering her indomitable energy and giant heart are her loving husband of 59 years, Bernard Raden, her cherished son and daughter Tony (Karen) Raden and Lisa Raden, her adoring grandsons Theo and Levi Raden, her brother Mark (Holly) Sherman, her sister-in-law Dorothy Raden, and many friends and colleagues.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Commissioners of Cook County, on behalf of the 5.2 million residents of Cook County, honors the work and contributions of Evelyn “Evie” Sherman Raden, and herewith expresses its sincere gratitude for the invaluable contributions she made to the Citizens of Cook County, Illinois; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body and that an official copy of same be tendered to the family of Evelyn “Evie” Sherman Raden.
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