TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF HAL BASK1N
WHEREAS, In His infinite wisdom, almighty God has granted eternal peace on August 10, 2018 to Hal Baskin, an icon of his community and legendary anti-violence activist; and
WHEREAS, Baskin started life in Mississippi as one of a family of ten boys and four girls whose mother brought them to this city in the 1960s and put down roots in the South Side community of Englewood. Like many young men of that community, he was drawn into gang life. He renounced it at the age of 19, eventually turning his life around by founding People Educated Against Crime in Englewood (P.E.A.C.E.). His history as a former gang member that allowed him and his organization to broker truces among gang leaders; and
WHEREAS, along with volunteers, Hal Baskin would spend nights walking the streets and alleys of Englewood to help maintain the peace. Many times, he would finish in the early morning hours by meeting with advisors to discuss methods of preventing further violence and seek funds to enroll youths into GED programs and help them find jobs; and
WHEREAS, as a teenager, Baskin met Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. when the civil rights leader visited Chicago and was there on August of 1966, when Dr. King led the historic march in Marquette Park to protest against housing discrimination. He was in attendance at Christ United Methodist Church when controversial and influential African American leaders spoke such as Fred Hampton and Malcolm X.; and
WHEREAS, Baskin suffered personal loss as a result of this city's violence. His brother, nephew and great-nephew lost their lives in shootings. His own son was shot and wounded in 2013. Despite such losses, he remained committed to peaceful prevention of violence in Englewood, using his own life as an example for young people; and
WHEREAS, For more than two decades, Hal Baskin continued his advocacy for the Englewood community, fighting against school closures and mentoring youth. The Honorable Bobby Rush, the Illinois Is' District Congressman that represents the Englewood neighborhood said, "Hal was a dedicated and passionate leader who kept me connected to all things Englewood. He was a true friend, confidant and adviser. His passing will leave an enormous hole in Chicago, Englewood and the African-American community"; and
WHEREAS, The Honorable Roderick Sawyer, Alderman of the 6lh Ward that encompasses part of Englewood said, "We have lost one of the finest Chicagoans ... a longtime friend and ally in the ongoing work of peace-building in Englewood and the wider South Side whose work has never been more urgent. He was unique, inspirational and irreplaceable."; and
WHEREAS, The Honorable Roderick Sawyer, Alderman of the 6th Ward joined together with the Honorable Raymond A. Lopez, Alderman of the 15th Ward; the Honorable Toni L. Foulkes, Alderman of the 16* Ward; the Honorable David Moore, Alderman of the 17,h Ward; and the Honorable Willie B. Cochran, Alderman of the 20th Ward have apprised this august body of the passing of this preeminent pillar of the Englewood community; now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and members of the City of Chicago City Council, gathered this 20"' Day of September, 2018 AD, do hereby express our sincere sorrow upon the passing of Hal Baskin and extend our deepest condolences to his family, close friends and the many people whose lives he touched.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to the family of Hal Baskin.
Willie B. Cochran Alderman - 20th Ward