RESOLUTION FOR BOARD MEETING OF OCTOBER 1, 2020
Title
MEMORIAL RESOLUTION sponsored by the Board of Commissioners celebrating the life of Dr. Leon Finney Jr.
Body
WHEREAS, Dr. Leon Finney Jr. was born in Louise, Mississippi in 1938. He moved to Chicago’s Woodlawn neighborhood with his family and was a graduate of Hyde Park High School; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Finney became involved in politics at a young age. After many years of involvement in the political arena, Dr. Finney became the go-to strategist for many aspiring politicians; and
WHEREAS, in addition to his involvement in politics, Dr. Finney was also a renowned community activist, focusing on equity in neighborhood development; and
WHEREAS, despite his vast success as a political organizer and grassroots leader, Dr. Finney wanted to do more. He believed that the path to further achievements was through education. To this end, Dr. Finney earned a Master of Arts degree in Economics and Urban Community Development from Goddard College, a Master of Arts degree in Theological Studies from McCormick Theological Seminary, a Doctor of Theology degree from McCormick Theological Seminary, a Master of Arts degree in Public Administration from Nova University, and a Doctorate degree in Public Administration from Nova University; and
WHEREAS, in addition to being an accomplished student, Dr. Finney was also an enthusiastic teacher. Throughout his life, Dr. Finney taught at the University of Chicago, the Lutheran School of Theology, the University of Illinois, Northwestern University, the Presbyterian College of Korea, the Theological College of the Bahamas, and the McCormick Theological Seminary; and
WHEREAS, as well as being a political powerhouse and community organizer, Dr. Finney was also a business owner and a skillful writer. In addition to owning Leon’s BBQ, he also owned Urban Broadcast Media. Likewise, he authored several publications addressing social and economic development; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Finney served as the vice-chairman of the Chicago Public Housing Authority and chairman of the Monitoring Commission for School Desegregation for Chicago Public Schools. He also served on the boards for the Chicago Planning Commission, the Broadcast Ministers Alliance, and the Council for a Parliament of the World's Religions; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Finney was a proud member of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity; and
WHEREAS, during his lifelong career, Dr. Leon Finney Jr. received numerous recognitions, awards, and honors for his dedication, perseverance, and unyielding spirit; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Finney is survived by daughter Kristin, his three grandchildren, his sisters and brother, and a multitude of other family members, friends, and loved ones; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, on behalf of ourselves and staff, do hereby extend our condolences to the family of Dr. Leon Finney Jr.; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution be spread upon the permanent Record of Proceedings of the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago and that a copy of same, suitably engrossed, be presented to the family of Dr. Leon Finney Jr.
Dated: October 1, 2020