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 ...
Click here for full text