Record #: R2016-492   
Type: Resolution Status: Adopted
Intro date: 6/22/2016 Current Controlling Legislative Body:
Final action: 6/22/2016
Title: Tribute to late Boyse Edwards
Sponsors: Burke, Edward M.
Attachments: 1. R2016-492.pdf

RESOLUTION

 

 

WHEREAS, Boyse Edwards has been called to eternal life by the wisdom of God at the age of 67; and

WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of his passing by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and

WHEREAS, A resident of Austin, Boyse Edwards was a widely admired member of the music community and a West Side role model and community activist; and

WHEREAS, Boyse Edwards was the much-adored father of Mia Walker, Jawann Deloney, Reginald Bradley and Fontain Lykes and the grandfather of five to whom he imparted many of the fine and noble qualities that he possessed in abundance; and

WHEREAS, Boyse Edwards was the dear brother of Nedra, Sandra, Brenda and Anastasia; and

WHEREAS, Born in Chicago, Boyse Edwards grew up in the Henry Horner Homes where his love for music began as he learned to play trumpet with the Henry Horner Boys & Girls Club which offered music lessons to West Side youngsters; and

WHEREAS, Boyse Edwards attended Crane High School and Devry University; and

WHEREAS, Boyse Edwards enjoyed a long and highly successful musical career and co-founded the Gentlemen of Leisure, a powerhouse group which performed at one of President Barack Obama's inaugural balls and the Chicago wedding of George Lucas and Mellody Hobson; and

WHEREAS, Boyse Edwards also produced a rhythm and blues band, the Spidells, that played with the Jackson 5 and performed for President Richard Nixon's wife, Pat Nixon, during a trip to Chicago; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his many professional achievements, Boyse Edwards worked to ease violence in his neighborhood through his well-respected street diplomacy; and

WHEREAS, Boyse Edwards supported food pantries, the Mile Square Health Center and vocational training programs; and

 

 

WHEREAS, The hard work, sacrifice and dedication of Boyse Edwards serve as an example to all; and

WHEREAS, His love of life and ability to live it to the fullest endeared Boyse Edwards to his family members, friends and all who knew him, and enabled him to enrich their lives in ways they will never forget; and

WHEREAS, Boyse Edwards was an individual of great integrity and accomplishment who will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by his many relatives, friends and admirers; and

WHEREAS, To his beloved family, Boyse Edwards imparts a legacy of faithfulness, service and dignity; now, therefore

BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the members of the Chicago City Council, assembled this twenty-second day of June, 2016, do hereby commemorate Boyse Edwards for his grace-filled life and do hereby express our condolences to his family; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Boyse Edwards.

Alderman - 14th Ward