MEMORIAL RESOLUTION FOR MELVIN GREGORY CALDWELL
WHEREAS, God, in His Infinite Wisdom has called Melvin Gregory Caldwell, most beloved citizen, to his eternal reward on August 29, 2019, at the age of sixty; and
WHEREAS, This august body has been informed of his passing by the Honorable Carrie M. Austin, Aldennan of the 34th Ward and Chairman of the Committee on Contracting Oversight and Equity; and
WHEREAS, Melvin was born on the West Side of Chicago on January 17, 1959 to loving parents Louis Caldwell and Ophelia Harper Caldwell. Melvin and his family were the first African Americans to move to the Park Manor neighborhood; and
WHEREAS, Melvin graduated from Hirsch High School in 1977 as Vice President, and went on to attend the University of Iowa, where he majored in Political Science and Public Administration. While a student at the University of Iowa, he became a Life Member ofthe Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and a Mason (Prince Hall Masonic Temple, North Star Lodge #1). Melvin was also active in civil rights issues, leading marches at the University's Pentacrest and Student Union to bring awareness to the Atlanta Child Murders, and inviting civil rights activists, including Julian Bond, to speak at Iowa NAACP Chapter events; and
WHEREAS, Melvin continued his education, receiving his Law degree from Ohio Northern University in 1986, and a Master's degree from Governor's State University in 2000. Melvin also encouraged learning in others, and taught as an adjunct professor at Triton College in River Grove, Illinois; and
WHEREAS, Melvin wrote for several independent Black-owned newspapers and major newspapers in Chicago and throughout Illinois; and
WHEREAS, Melvin also collaborated with noted journalists, television reporters, and producers on items focused on current local news and events, and served as a media consultant for Thornton Township; and
WHEREAS, Melvin produced his own television talk shows in Chicago, and used those shows as a platform to interview influential local politicians, businesspeople, union leaders, television personalities, and others in the community on important local issues; and
WHEREAS, Known as the "go-to" person for both his family and friends, Melvin was always willing to assist with various legal and personal matters. He received great joy from helping others, and would be there any time someone needed help; and
WHEREAS, Melvin leaves to cherish his memories his daughter, Alexandria; grand-daughter, Rheegan; companion, Phyllis; sister, Franzcine; brother, Anthony; and a host of relatives and friends; and
WHEREAS, Melvin deeply touched the lives of all who knew him through his enthusiasm, eagerness to both learn and teach, and his willingness to help family, friends, and his community. He will be deeply missed, but the memory of his character and compassion will live on in those who knew and loved him; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and Members ofthe City Council ofthe City of Chicago, assembled this 16th day of October, 2019, do hereby extend our most heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Melvin Gregory Caldwell; and
CARRIE M. AUSTIN Alderman, 34th Ward
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to the family of Melvin Gregory Caldwell as a sign of our honor and respect.