[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 63 (Friday, April 12, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E342-E343]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO KAREN YARBROUGH, COOK COUNTY CLERK

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DANNY K. DAVIS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 12, 2024

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Cook 
County Clerk, Karen Yarbrough, who passed away on April 7, leaving 
decades of community family and political service. Karen was an active 
member of the Westside Black Elected Officials of Chicago, Illinois, a 
group for which I serve as Secretary and reflect their views.
  Clerk Yarbrough was born on December 19, 1957, into a prominent 
family and from an early age began serving others, following in the 
footsteps of her father, Rev. Don Williams, a businessman, minister, 
and politician, at one time the Mayor of Maywood, Illinois.
  Clerk Yarbrough's dedication to public service and her passion for 
advocating on behalf of people led her to be elected to the Illinois 
House of Representatives in 2001 where she represented her district 
with energy, integrity, insight, and tenacity--earning the respect and 
admiration of her constituents and colleagues alike.
  Clerk Yarbrough had a long list of legislative accomplishments, 
including bans on the death penalty and indoor smoking and the first 
ever lottery ticket, the Quality of Life Ticket, named ``Red Ribbon 
Cash'' to support HIV/AIDS prevention and education.
  Clerk Yarbrough's commitment to fairness, transparency, and 
efficiency in government inspired her to seek the office of Cook County 
Recorder of Deeds in 2012, where she became the first African American 
to hold this position and worked tirelessly to modernize operations, 
increase accessibility to public records, and ensure equitable access 
to homeownership for all residents of Cook County.
  Clerk Yarbrough's exemplary leadership and dedication to public 
service were further recognized when she was elected as the Cook County 
Clerk in 2018, where she continued her legacy of advocating for 
transparency, accessibility, and accountability in government

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while also overseeing critical functions, such as elections, vital 
records, and property tax administration.
  Clerk Yarbrough's lifelong commitment to public service, her 
unwavering dedication to improving the lives of others, and her 
remarkable leadership have left an indelible mark on our community, 
inspiring countless individuals to pursue their dreams and work toward 
a more just and equitable society.
  We, the Westside Black Elected Officials, express our deepest 
condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Clerk Karen 
Yarbrough during this difficult time, and extend our heartfelt 
gratitude for sharing her with us.
  Further, we honor the memory of Clerk Karen Yarbrough by reaffirming 
our commitment to carrying forward her legacy of service, compassion, 
and advocacy and by working tirelessly to build a more just, equitable, 
and inclusive society in which all people can thrive and be included as 
equal members.

                          ____________________