SR2284 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR2284 LRB100 24518 ALS 43849 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Brian Sleet of Chicago, who passed away on December 26, 2018 at the age of 41; and

WHEREAS, Brian Sleet was born and raised in Chicago's Chatham neighborhood and was committed to his community and to public service; he graduated from Whitney Young High School in 1996; he earned a degree in Sociology from Dartmouth College in 2000; in 2005, he earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Brian Sleet returned to Chatham after college and spent time teaching at a neighborhood elementary school; he began his political career at the U.S. Census Bureau and as a staffer for former Representative Jesse Jackson Jr.; he also practiced independently as an attorney, mainly on family law cases; in 2011, he ran for alderman in the 6th Ward; during that race, he developed a friendship with Alderman Roderick Sawyer, who started as his competitor but evolved into a close ally; he joined Sawyer's campaign during the runoff, and, after Sawyer won the post, he was appointed chief of staff; in 2015, he helped get Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx elected; recently, he worked as a senior adviser with the communications strategy firm, Kivvit, where he was a spokesman for the Obama Foundation as it sought City Council approval for the planned presidential library in Jackson Park; earlier this year, he also started his own consulting agency and worked to help connect corporate clients with grass-roots leaders; and

WHEREAS, Brian Sleet's pride and joy was serving on the board of Chicago Votes; outside his City Hall work, he enjoyed long conversations over a glass of bourbon and a fine cigar; and

WHEREAS, Brian Sleet was committed to improving the quality of life for people on the South Side and across the City of Chicago and to training young black organizers and political operatives; he was known as a forthright, well-connected strategist who would toil relentlessly to help candidates connect with marginalized communities in new and innovative ways; his keen political mind, speechwriting savvy, and mastery of social media meant anybody running for elected office wanted his advice; news of his death led to an outpouring of condolences from elected leaders, community activists, and neighbors, prompting the creation and prominence of the #SleetisChicago hashtag; and

WHEREAS, Brian Sleet is survived by his fiancee, Nathalie Essex; his parents; his brother; and his large extended family; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Brian Sleet and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Brian Sleet as an expression of our deepest sympathy.