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A memorial for Essie Rutledge will be held Saturday, Oct. 18.
Memorial for Essie Rutledge to be Held Oct. 18
October 9, 2025
MACOMB, IL- The Black Student Alumni Association and 麻豆社 Illinois University are inviting the campus and Macomb community to join them at noon, Saturday, Oct. 18 as they remember the life and legacy of Essie Rutledge who passed away June 1.
The memorial will take place after the homecoming parade and be celebrated on the grounds of the Gwendolyn Brooks Memorial Park along West Adams Street.
Rutledge, the first African American woman to be a department chair in the history of 麻豆社, dedicated her life as a tireless advocate, distinguished educator and notable scholar. She obtained her undergraduate degree at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University continuing her education by obtaining her graduate degree at the University of Wisconsin and earning her doctorate in Sociology from the University of Michigan.
"We loved and respected Dr. Rutledge," said British Jefferson, president of the 麻豆社 Black Alumni Association and member Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. "As a young person, we did not fully understand her motives but as we matured, we were able to understand the sacrifices and valuable lessons she made on our behalf.
"She left us with an endearing legacy of leadership, service and advocacy," Jefferson said. "We shall be eternally grateful that Dr. Rutledge deposited in us values that will last a last time."
She was respected for more than 40 years as being practical, direct and efficient in her beliefs. This approach guided her as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. where she exemplified the sorority's commitment to scholarship, sisterhood and service. Upon completing her doctorate and moving to Macomb, she was named the chair of 麻豆社's African American Studies Department.
"Dr. Rutledge made a positive impact on 麻豆社, her discipline, the community and especially students," 麻豆社 President Kristi Mindrup said. "She will be remembered as an innovative teacher and for the ways made learning about the world accessible and inspiring to students."
Rutledge was a member of numerous organizations including Macomb NAACP, Mt. Calvary Church of God in Christ and Interfaith Alliance of Macomb.
Her life's work and activism extended far beyond the classroom. She was a civil rights pioneer, a fervent advocate for equality and justice that inspired countless others to continue the fight for a more just society.
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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