HYDE PARK— Family, friends and local political and religious leaders honored the life and service of activist, educator and cultural icon Timuel Black at his funeral Friday morning.  

Black, who died Oct. 13 at 102, dedicated his life to fighting for social, racial and economic equality for the Black community. Aside from his community work, he also supported the careers of several Black politicians, including Harold Washington, the first Black mayor of Chicago, and President Barack Obama.

The son of Alabama sharecroppers, Black was born Dec. 7, 1918. His family moved to Chicago when he was as an infant in 1919, settling in the city’s Bronzeville neighborhood.

Blacks’ funeral, only open to family and invited guests, was held at the First Unitarian Church of Chicago, 5650 S. Woodlawn Ave. Father Michael Pfleger, senior pastor of St. Sabina Church, gave the eulogy.

“Timuel had a smile that was full of love and kindness and humility — a smile that would put you at ease even while he was challenging you,” Pfleger said. “He had an unquenchable spirit of hope and he had a tenacity to never quit.”

Many gave their condolences to Black’s widow, Zenobia Johnson-Black, children and family members during remarks. Musical performances from singers Dee Alexander, Tammy McCann and others reflected his well-known love of jazz. 

Throughout the service, attention was drawn to Black’s impact and legacy as a civil rights activist, WWII veteran and educator.

Chicago Mayor Lori Lighfoot said his final moments had a profound impact on her. 

“Before his passing, I got the call from Zenobia that his time was short, and I was honored to be invited to come and say a final goodbye,” Lightfoot said. “I brought some music, a compilation of Ella (Fitzgerald) and Louis (Armstrong), because I wanted his send-off to be accompanied by a soundtrack of the music that he loved. He was still alert enough to know that I was present. But it was clear that he was entering his journey home.

“I sat at his feet, the feet of this great man,” Lightfoot said, choking up, “who has nurtured and cared for so many. We didn’t talk much but I was moved to touch his feet — those white socks, there for his comfort and warmth. And I saw not just the great Tim Black but in my head, I was transported to some of my last precious moments with my own father.

"I prayed to the Lord to make my friend Tim, his final moments, pain-free, to lift the burdens of this world and to bring him to eternal peace.”