Former Chicago Alderman and Cook County Commissioner Bill Beavers Dies at 89

William “Bill” Beavers, the former 7th Ward Alderman and Cook County Commissioner, leaves a legacy of service to Chicago’s African American community (Photo Courtesy of Sean Howard). William “Bill” Beavers, former 7th Ward Alderman and Cook County Commissioner, passed away early Saturday morning (Oct. 26) at 89. Surrounded by family, he died of natural causes, according to Sean Howard, a family spokesperson. Beavers, known for his strong voice in Chicago politics, served as an alderman from 1983 to 2006. He later held the office of Cook County Commissioner from 2006 to 2013.& Through his years in office, Beavers played a pivotal role in opening doors for Black entrepreneurs.& “Bill Beavers will go down in history as one of the most progressive African American Alderman in the Chicago City Council. He was unapologetically Black and proved so by his countless efforts to propel Black businesspersons to engage in city business and contracts,” Howard said.& Born on Feb. 21, 1935, Beavers grew up in Chicago’sChicago’s Kenwood-Oakland neighborhood. He was one of six children, raised by a mother who was known for her cooking at their local church and a father who worked in a steel mill before a tragic accident took his...