HR0836 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0836 LRB101 21087 LAW 71489 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Marc Zohntell Loveless of Chicago, who passed away on March 9, 2020; and

WHEREAS, Marc Loveless was born in Detroit, Michigan to Benny Dunn Loveless and Margret Loveless on March 23, 1961; he graduated from Redford High School in Detroit in 1978; he earned his bachelor's degree in political science and broadcasting from Wayne State University; he attended Wilberforce University, where he worked with a Roman Catholic campus ministry, hosted a radio show, and honed his leadership skills in student political organizations; he attended Roosevelt University in pursuit of a graduate degree; and

WHEREAS, Marc Loveless was a public servant, civil rights activist, and an HIV/AIDS advocate; in 1984, he created Loveless Consulting, a social marketing firm specializing in public policy, civil rights, and social justice; beginning in 1996, he worked as a freelance paralegal; he was the founding executive director of the Coalition for Justice and Respect (CJR), a Chicago-based, African American, same-gender loving agency involved in social justice, civil rights advocacy, and addressing health disparities; and

WHEREAS, Marc Loveless was the first openly gay elected official in Chicago and the State of Illinois, serving on the local school councils of two schools in Chicago; he was elected to serve as Committeeman of the 32nd Ward in Chicago for the Harold Washington Party in 1996; he was elected Ward Committeeman of the 48th Ward of the Green Party in 2004; he ran for city clerk in Chicago in 2015, becoming the first African American gay man to run for a citywide office; he ran as a write-in candidate for the Illinois House of Representatives in 2020; and

WHEREAS, Marc Loveless was involved in a number of organizations and served on the board of the Chicago Social Enterprise Alliance, the Illinois Common Cause, and the Reverend Al Sharpton's National Action Network (NAN) Chicago; he also served on the Chicago Public Radio Community Advisory Council; and

WHEREAS, Marc Loveless received recognition for his service to his community, including the 2013 Human Rights Award from Creativity United, a 2012 Drum Major Award presented by President Barack Obama, a 2009 Trailblazer Award from Fathers Who Care, and the Hope and Spirit Award from the Chicago Department of Public Health; and

WHEREAS, Marc Loveless was known as a trailblazer, a tireless warrior, and a funny and loving friend; he was a Capuchin Franciscan Friar; he enjoyed independent films, fine dining, Chicago's eclectic arts and cultural attractions, and concerts; he will be remembered for his public service, activism, and support of the LGBT community; and

WHEREAS, Marc Loveless is survived by his son, Jonathan, and his family; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Marc Zohntell Loveless and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Marc Loveless as an expression of our deepest sympathy.