Timuel D. Black Jr. Remembered

Family, friends, dignitaries, and supporters gathered for a public memorial to celebrate and honor the life and legacy of civil rights activist, historian, educator, and author Timuel D. Black. He passed away on October 13, 2021, at 102.

The service began with an African drum and dance tribute. There were also jazz performances throughout the ceremony.

His character of integrity, warm personality, and work ethic stood out as the tributes poured in for Dr. Black on stage at the University of Chicago’s Rockefeller Memorial Chapel. “It takes a very special person to show such graciousness and hospitality that he makes you feel welcome in your own house,” said Maurice Charles, dean of Rockefeller Memorial Chapel. He welcomed everyone on behalf of Dr. Black’s loved ones, especially his wife of four decades, Zenobia Johnson Black. Three spiritual leaders of varying faiths lead the audience in prayer.

Michelle Boone, Poetry Foundation President, welcomed everyone. Before introducing the first round of speakers, she referred to Dr. Black as “one of the best role models of human excellence” she has had the privilege to know. “He inspired the next generation of students, reporters, historians, and activists, among them a young man [named Barack Obama] who became a community organizer and was elected president,” said Governor J. B. Pritzker. Mayor Lori Lightfoot said, “He never stopped organizing, advocating, and spreading his spirit of optimism.” She urged us to pick up the torch Dr. Black left for us and never cease fighting for justice, equality, peace, and dignity.” The HistoryMakers founder Julieanna Richardson credited Dr. Black’s support and encouragement for the success of the African American oral history archive, as he was the first. She is thankful for being “a student of the ultimate teacher.”

Dr. Black’s deep love of jazz, which began when he saw a Louis Armstrong concert as a child, would eventually land him on the board of several organizations, including the Jazz Institute of Chicago (JIC). His vision and dedication to service helped bring new life to JIC through the formation of several educational programs. Heather Ireland Robinson, JIC’s Executive Director, mentioned a Re-granting Initiative awarded by the city and named in Dr. Black’s honor that will support young jazz musicians. “The legacy of his dedication to his faith, family, and community will resonate for years to come,” she said.

Journalist and political consultant Don Rose said of Dr. Black, “The whole city was his classroom as he shared his wisdom and humanity as a writer, speaker, and organizer without the constant need to seek out the cameras.” Dr. Robert T. Starks, Northeastern Illinois University Professor Emeritus, said, “I’d like to think of him as not only a historian but a political scientist. He understood politics from the bottom to the top.”

SEIU Healthcare President Greg Kelley said, “His stories inspired us, and we learned of his great record as a labor leader and union organizer.” His statement referred to Dr. Black’s discussion two years ago with union members about his book Sacred Ground: The Chicago Streets of Timuel Black. “Because of the rich legacy of Dr. Black, we stand ready and prepared to continue the work he had begun. The promise of a prosperous future will be his continued testimony.” I, too, will cherish the memory of having the privilege to meet Timuel D. Black Jr. in person and have him sign my copy of his book during his Centenary Symposium at Logan Center in 2018.  

“Tim understood the untruth and dangers of reducing complex human beings and situations to a single narrative,” according to Dr. Lisa Yun Lee, National Public Housing Museum Executive Director. In honor of Dr. Black, she urged us to “reach out to a stranger, friend, or elder and ask them to share a story about where they grew up and share your own story as well.” She added, “Tim has taught us that the shortest distance between two people is a story.” The statement made me recall the valuable advice he once shared on what it takes to be a good storyteller: Reach back as far as you can.

“Freedom to learn and grow was core to Dr. Black’s purpose in life,” according to City Colleges of Chicago Chancellor Juan Salgado. “He cared about removing barriers for students who have been historically and systematically locked out of higher education.

Zenobia Johnson Black thanked everyone who made this special day happen and shared these closing remarks: “Today is all about the love of one man for his community. Tim truly loved his life. He would often say, ‘I’ve done the best I could.’ He had no guilt or regrets about his life and, therefore, was at peace with himself. He had lived up to his own standards.”

Joe Harrington, a founding member of the Timuel D. Black Education Foundation, shared a quote from German theologian Albert Schweitzer: “At times, our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.” Harrington added, “All of us are here because Tim continues to light the flame within us.”