On September 27th, Joyce Chapman, a valued member of the Board of Education for the City of Chicago, passed at the age of 67, the Chicago Sun-Times reported. A tireless advocate for her community, she founded several organizations including the Far South Chicago Coalition and the Pullman Community Development Corporation. Her mission was to foster equitable access to education and essential resources for her community's most vulnerable members.
Early experiences, like growing up in Tokyo and witnessing her father's military service and her mother's Buddhist practices shaped Joyce's passion for community service and improvement. In addition to her activist roles, Joyce served as vice chair for the Neighborhood Housing Services Board and held the presidency of the Gately Park Advisory Council as per WTTW News. Her tenacious commitment has left a lasting impact on the city's landscape.
A dedicated advocate for the Far South Side of Chicago, Joyce's legacy continues to inspire through not only her achievements but also to the values she imbibed in her three daughters, Amina, Umi, and Ashanti Brooks. Joyce's belief in the inherent worth of every individual and her conviction in offering support and encouragement found resonance in her children's own practice of community service and activism.
Joyce's work is a testament to how community work can offer a richness departing, from material wealth. Umi, one of her daughters, shares her mother's outlook on community service, stating, "It may not pay you what you feel you should be financially, but it pays your soul,” via the Chicago Sun-Times.
Joyce's tireless advocacy for better education policies led to her appointment to the Chicago Board of Education in 2022. Alongside her activism work, Joyce assisted in several political campaigns and aided local and state officials, steadfast in her belief that the most effective power lies behind seats of public office.
The news of Joyce's passing invited a wave mourning and commemorations to her life. Both former Mayor Lori Lightfoot who appointed Joyce to the Board of Education and current Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed condolences, reflecting their admiration and respect for her city-wide dedication.
To honour her contributions, family and friends will assemble on October 14th at Chicago State University. Her daughters, Amina, Umi, and Ashanti Brooks, plan to further their mother's work, continuing their dedication to the community as "Joyce's girls" and inspiring future generations to carry on the visions of their mother.
