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PASSAGES Chicago activist Benny Montgomery dies
2020-12-29


Benny M. Montgomery Jr.—a longtime Chicago-based LGBTQ-rights activist who had worked as a constituent services administrator for U.S. Rep. Danny Davis and former Congresswoman Cardiss Collins, among other politicians—passed away Dec. 13 after battling an illness. He was 57.

Westside Health Advocates Regional Planning Coalition's Beverley Walker initially informed Windy City Times.

According to an obit courtesy of the Wallace Broadview Funeral Home and published on TributeArchive.com, he was born in Chicago on Dec. 27, 1962, to Benny and Mae Montgomery, who both preceded him in death. Benny Jr. attended Farragut High School and studied public health administration at Roosevelt University, graduating in 1993.

Benny worked for Congressman Danny K. Davis Constituent Services Administration in the 7th District. He started working for the U.S. Congress when he was 17. Ben started his political career with the former Congresswoman Cardiss Collins for 16 years, and later started working for Congressman Danny K. Davis. Benny worked with several prominent politicians, including Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley. Benny later said, "After 31 years, it feels good to retire at the age of 48 years old."

Benny was a deacon at Original Mt. Zion M.B. Church, at 4817 W Chicago Ave, under the leadership of Rev. J.W. Jackson.

Benny worked on letters to the Mayor Richard Daley to help candidates qualify to be commissioners. This was his passion. People would come to him with many issues such as federal government issues about Immigration and Social Security.

Among other achievements, Benny helped pick a new public health commissioner. He also assisted in the fight against HIV/AIDS, becoming one of the forces in creating the Lottery Ticket Quality of Life, with proceeds that help HIV/AIDS organizations.

Benny leaves to cherish his everlasting memories his two brothers, Lee Montgomery and Willie Dowe; four sisters—Pamela (Willie) Montgomery-Mack, Debora (Ronald) Montgomery-Vann, Starsha (Eric) Langston and Sherri Burdine; one aunt, Elelyn Kyle, who is 97 years young; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A graveside service took place Dec. 29 at Forest Home Cemetery, in Forest Park, Illinois.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Benny Montgomery Jr., visit Website Link Here .


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