Chicagoans mourn the passing of Henry English, a life long community and economic activist and mentor to many in the Black community seeking to improve the conditions of Blacks on the south and west sides of Chicago.

English, 73, was driving on Lake Shore Drive, headed to a get-out-the-vote event for Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton, March 5, when his van was rear-ended near 63rdStreet, said Conrad Worrill. English died at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, apparently suffering a heart attack according to news reports.

English was a true leader, legend and link between the veteran and new activists in Chicago. English with a tall frame, often towered over many, but he walked with humility, confidence and determination; willing take center stage, but often mentoring and allowing others to be the voice on various projects and campaigns.

As a youth, he reportedly recruited Bobby L. Rush to join the Black Panther Party, led the movement to name Crane Malcolm X College and was a major leader of the groundbreaking National Black United Fund of Illinois that has helped many Black institutions function and flourish. English was still on the front lines offering his organizational and leadership skills and counsel to various projects.

“My friendship with Henry has been a 48 year run and I will truly miss him. We met when he was a student in my class at Crane Jr.College. He was just out of the Marines and I was in graduate school at U of C and teaching Crane’s first African American Studies course. Calvin Cook was in that class, too, and he and Henry became lifelong friends and colleagues,” said esteemed educator, leader and activist Dr. Carol Adams on Facebook.

“They joined the Black Panther Party and were committed student activists. Their protests and organizing led to the name change from Crane to Malcolm X. Since that time, we have worked on many a cause. Most recently we vowed to ramp up our efforts to revitalize our beloved South Shore community and Henry partnered with us last Saturday in launching The South Shore Works! Right now, I cannot envision doing this without him but I know we must. We have to honor his legacy through our service, not our tears. And we must commit ourselves to making the Black United Fund of Illinois stronger than ever. Much love and honor also to your family for sharing you with all of us!,” she added.

“Young people sat at his feet, asked questions, and got the history most people don’t even know, let alone share! Generous with his time and conversation, we must mention those who came to the office to lend a hand, to be in this number, as we regroup,” said Yvette Moyo, co-founder of Real Men Cook. “Who says we have no Black leaders, mentors, warriors? He would tell you to look at these folks who he is literally embracing, This is how it looks to surround yourself with those making a difference and actually, figuratively and literally, giving them the microphone, if you want to see a brighter future.”

“Chicago has lost a giant and champion of social justice with the death of Henry English, president and CEO of the Black United Fund of Illinois. This huge and sudden loss of a man who has given so much to the people of Chicago puts a tremendous burden on the living to continue his work of philanthropy and community building. But the work must continue. I want to express my profound condolences to his family and many, many friends. Henry will be deeply missed and forever remembered,” said Rev. Jesse L. Jackson.

“My family and I express our sincere condolences on the passing of Henry English, the founder and president of the Black United Fund of Illinois. Henry was a close friend of my grandfather, Sam Patch, and I am honored to have been fortunate enough to call Henry an important friend and mentor for my entire life,” said Kurt Summers, Chicago’s city treasurer.

“Under Henry’s leadership, the Black United Fund of Illinois raised funds to support critical social services and cultural organizations throughout Chicago. Through his work with youth programs, job training initiatives, and support of some of Chicago’s most important non-profit institutions, Henry changed the lives of thousands of Chicagoans and improved communities throughout the city. These programs could not have been sustained without Henry’s efforts and Chicago is a better place because of all of his hard work and dedication. I am grateful to have learned so much from such an iconic individual,” he added.

Mr. English is also survived by his wife, Denise; another son, Jummane; and daughters Kenya and Kamillah. Funeral arrangements are pending.