HR0438 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0438 LRB102 19953 ECR 28732 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Robert Shaw of Chicago, who passed away on July 22, 2021; and

WHEREAS, Robert Shaw was born to McKinley and Gertrude Shaw in Hope, Arkansas on July 31, 1937; during his early childhood, he and his family relocated to the West Side of Chicago where he attended Brown Elementary School and Crane High School; he married Margie Shaw, and they had two sons; he was married to Wilmer Shaw at the time of his passing; and

WHEREAS, Robert Shaw had a 60 year plus career in state, county, and city government; along his career path, he was an executive with the Illinois Department of Labor, an inspector general for the Village of Dolton, and a commissioner of the Cook County Board of Review; as a commissioner, he was held in high regard for assisting unfairly assessed property owners in obtaining tax reductions; and

WHEREAS, Robert Shaw served as an alderman/committeeman in the 9th Ward for 20 years; over 100 ordinances were entered into the city records as a result of his efforts and work with fellow councilpersons; through his push for fairness and equity, he is credited with numerous upward mobility opportunities for Black businesses at O'Hare and Midway Airports; and

WHEREAS, At age 17, Robert Shaw became a precinct captain under the late Ben Lewis, the first Black Alderman of the 24th Ward; he and his twin brother William were influential in supporting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s fair housing initiative for West Side residents; he and William helped support and launch the careers of many, including more than 60 judges; and

WHEREAS, Robert Shaw sponsored the 9th Ward's Annual Back to School Parade and Picnic, Thanksgiving and Christmas basket give-a-ways, and holiday dinners for senior residents; he made numerous donations to various block club activities; he and William established a bowling league, which fostered the importance of fellowship; and

WHEREAS, For a number of years, Robert Shaw hosted a radio show on WVON where he and guests gave their opinions on local and national issues; and

WHEREAS, Until a few years ago, Robert Shaw was an avid golfer who sponsored and attended numerous golf outings; his culinary expertise was known to many; he was out-spoken, charismatic, and jovial and always dressed in a suit; and

WHEREAS, Robert Shaw committed to his faith at an early age, and at his passing, he was a member of the Logos Baptist Assembly; he deeply believed that political activism would help create a better community, and he believed everyone could make a positive contribution; and

WHEREAS, Robert Shaw was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Paul, Gene, Charles, and William; and his children, Herbert, Dexter, John, and Debra; and

WHEREAS, Robert Shaw is survived by his wife, Wilmer Shaw; his daughters, Lolita (Theodore) Cleveland and Kristen Shaw; his sons, Chad Hill and Brandon Roberts; his surrogate son, Jason Rodriguez; his godson, Justice Nathaniel Howse Jr.; his grandchildren, Aunalicia Lockhart, Apollo Shaw, Adonnis Shaw, Arasmus Shaw, Kayla (Gregory) Herot, Theodore Cleveland III, Terrence Cleveland, Travis Cleveland, Thirzel Cleveland, and Jamila Cleveland; his sister, Bobbie Brown; his sisters-in-law, Shirley Shaw and Deborah Green; his nineteen great-grandchildren; his host of great-great-grandchildren; his special nephew, Victor Andre Shaw; his other relatives; his friends; and his former 9th Ward chief of staff and Cook County Board of Review chief of staff and long-time pal, William "Bill" Lockhart; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Robert Shaw 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 Robert Shaw as an expression of our deepest sympathy.