Charles Chew, Jr. (October 9, 1922 – July 3, 1986) was an American politician in Illinois.[1] He served in the Illinois Senate from 1967-1986.

Charles Chew
Member of the Illinois Senate
from the 16th district
29th district
In office
January 4, 1967 (1967-January-04) – July 3, 1986 (1986-July-03)
Preceded byN/A (redistricted)
Succeeded byEthel Skyles Alexander
Personal details
Born(1922-10-09)October 9, 1922
Greenville, Mississippi
DiedJuly 3, 1986(1986-07-03) (aged 63)
Chicago
Political partyDemocratic
Education

Born in Greenville, Mississippi, Chew served in the United States Navy during World War II. He went to Tuskegee University and Harvard University. Chew served on the Chicago City Council and was a Democrat. He worked as an administrative assistant in community relations in the Cook County Sheriff office. Chew served in the Illinois Senate from 1967 until his death in 1986. He led the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus alongside Carol Moseley Braun.[2] Chew died in a hospital in Chicago, Illinois from throat cancer.[3][4]

Notes

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  1. ^ Political Empowerment of Illinois' African-American State Lawmakers from 1877 to 2005. University Press of America. 2008. ISBN 9780761840183.
  2. ^ Karwath, Rob (1986-07-04). "Flamboyant and 'Visionary,' State Sen. Charles Chew, 63". Retrieved 2023-06-09.
  3. ^ 'Illinois Blue Book 1985-1986,' Biographical Sketch of Charles Chew, pg. 79
  4. ^ 'Feisty State Sen. Charles Chew Dies,' Chicago Tribune, Rob Karwath, July 4, 1986