Bill Text: IL HR0836 | 2019-2020 | 101st General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Mourns the passing of Marc Zohntell Loveless.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2020-05-22 - Resolution Adopted [HR0836 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2019-HR0836-Introduced.html

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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

HR0836 - 2 - LRB101 21087 LAW 71489 r
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

HR0836 - 3 - LRB101 21087 LAW 71489 r
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.