Pols and Community Leaders Mourn the Loss of Rep. Esther Golar
Illinois Legislative Black Caucus mourns the loss of Rep. Esther Golar
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SPRINGFIELD – Earlier today, Illinois lost one of its fearless leaders State Representative Esther Golar. Representative Golar began serving in the General Assembly in 2006 and led several initiatives to expand education, lower recidivism and bring jobs to the residents of the 6th House District.
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“On behalf of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, it is with a heavy heart that we send our condolences to the family of State Representative Esther Golar. Her statesmanship truly exemplified how elected officials should fight for the communities they represent. She was a tireless champion of improving educational opportunities, reducing crime, bringing good jobs to her community and making healthcare available to those in need. Representative Golar’s final legislative effort put her life in harm’s way to ensure working families could have access to childcare. This speaks volumes to her entire career as a community advocate. She is a legislator who was loved by her colleagues, and she will truly be missed.â€
– Senator Kimberly A. Lightford, Senate Assistant Majority Leader– Chairman of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus
“A giant has gone home to be with the Lord. Representative Esther Golar was a true warrior for the people. She risked her life to travel to Springfield to vote on issues that were important to low income and middle class families. She literally put her life on the line for others. And she knew it. Esther was willing to die for what she believed in. That’s rare and should be appreciated. Esther was not just my colleague. She was my friend. She was my mentor. She was my confidant. Often times in Springfield, if you saw me, you saw me with Esther. Esther has walked with me and held my hand through almost every major event in my adult life. When my mother died. When my brother died. When my stepson died. When I was married and when I had my daughter… Esther was always there. Those are the things that matter to me most. She prayed for me and with me and that I will forever miss that. Esther was a friend and colleague who always had a word from the Good Book to make everything that goes on in the Capitol and in life make a little more sense. Esther was a true child of God that loved everyone else as she loved herself. Our loss is heaven’s gain. Praying for Esther’s daughter Tiffany Golar and family today.â€
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– Representative Jehan – Gordon – Booth, House Assistant Majority Leader
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“The 6th House District gained a guardian angel today along with the countless people whose lives Representative Golar has impacted. She stood for the voiceless in her district by reminding legislative leaders of the most vulnerable in our community. She was a fighter and her loss is to the detriment of our state.â€
-State Representative Camille Lilley
“The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus will truly miss our colleague and friend Representative Esther Golar. We send our condolences to her family and friends.â€
~ Representative Carol Ammons, Representative Monique Davis, Representative Will Davis, Representative Ken Dunkin, Representative John Anthony, Representative Marcus Evans, Representative Mary Flowers, Representative LaShawn Ford, Representative Jehan Gordon – Booth, Representative Rita Mayfield, Representative Christian Mitchell, Representative Pamela Reaves-Harris, Representative Al Riley, Representative Elgie Sims, Representative Andre Thapedi, Representative Art Turner, Representative Litesa Wallace, Representative Chris Welch, Senator Jacqueline Collins, Senator Napoleon Harris, Senator Toi Hutchinson, Senator Emil Jones III, Patricia Van Pelt, Kwame Raoul, Senator James Clayborne, Senator Kimberly Lightford, Senator Donne Trotter, Senator Mattie Hunter.
Statement from Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle On the Death of State Rep. Esther GolarI am saddened to hear of the death today of state Rep. Esther Golar. For almost 10 years Rep. Golar has represented her constituents honorably and has been a selfless advocate for their interests. She understood that government is a vehicle of service, and operates at its best when it is collaborative. She was a believer in the strength of neighborhoods and communities, and was an ally on issues I hold dear: schools, public safety and healthcare. My sympathies go out to her family and close friends.
Statement from the Illinois African American Coalition for Prevention’s Board of Directors “Deeply saddened by the passing of the Honorable Esther Golar”
On behalf of the Illinois African American Coalition for Prevention’s Board of Directors, our member organizations, and the constituents we serve, we are deeply saddened by the passing of The Honorable Esther Golar, State Representative for Illinois’ 6th Legislative District.
Representative Golar, a six-term legislator, was a dedicated community leader for some of Chicago’s most under-served neighborhoods. She was a champion and advocate for seniors and people with disabilities, quality classroom education, equal access to healthcare, economic development, and public safety. As a demonstration of her commitment and passion for her communities, just two weeks ago, while hospitalized in Chicago, she demanded and received an escort to Springfield so that she could cast her vote to override the Governor’s veto of a bill that would have restored over $300 M to the Illinois Childcare Assistance Program. Representative Golar also possessed a gifted voice and wouldn’t hesitate to launch into song to help us better understand the importance of passing legislation that supports safe, healthy, and resilient children, families, and communities. Â
A Chicago native, Golar attended Malcolm X College. She was also a member of Alternative Policing Strategy, Robert Fulton Elementary Local School Council (1999-2006), and Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago, Inc. (1998-2006). She received the Back of the Yards Neighborhood Leadership Award and was a member of Trinity United Church of Christ.
Representative Golar, you fought the good fight and you will be dearly missed. May you rest in eternal peace.
Sincerely,
Malik S. Nevels, J.D.
Executive Director
Photo of the Honorable Esther Golar courtesy of the Illinois African American Coalition for Prevention
