Brady Harden Jr

Brady Harden Jr., a beloved husband, father, and advocate for underserved communities, passed away on October 24, 2023, at the age of 75 in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Born on May 20, 1948, in Chicago, Illinois, Brady's life was dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of others.

Brady graduated from Froebel High School in 1966. He continued his education at Knoxville College where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Commerce. Brady's extensive career began in sales, where he showcased his exceptional ability to connect with people. He developed an empathetic niche for helping those in need, which propelled him to become a renowned passionate advocate. His commitment to serving underserved communities led him to become a pioneer in the fight against homelessness.

During his tenure as President/CEO at Inner Voice, Brady worked tirelessly with a limited budget and staff to expand shelters from one to eight. Inner Voice became the sole veteran homeless organization in the state of Illinois under his leadership. With strategic foresight, Brady ensured that Inner Voice expanded its services to socially and economically disadvantaged families, aiming to reach more homeless individuals.

Brady's dedication to equity in disparate communities caught the attention of Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, who appointed him as the Statewide Housing Coordinator for Long Term Care Reform. In this role, Brady not only made recommendations to improve care for the elderly but also secured additional government funding for a Southside hospital on the verge of closing.

After his time as a civil servant, Brady continued his career, focusing on helping the disadvantaged secure and sustain housing. He retired as the Vice President of Housing at Grand Prairie Services, leaving a lasting impact on the organization and the lives of those he helped.

Brady's commitment to social justice extended beyond his professional life. He served on several boards, including the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, the Withers Collection Museum and Gallery, Kappa Alpha Psi Chicago Heights Alumni Chapter, and Project VIDA. His dedication and contributions were recognized through numerous awards, including the Partnership Award, The Chicago Low Housing Trust Fund DePaul University, Irwin W. Steans Center Community Service Award, Featherfist Social Services Award, and the Malcolm X College Partnership in Education Award.

Brady Harden Jr. is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Stephanie; his children Mark Middleton and Angela (Jonnie) White; granddaughter Jaimeka Fort; grandsons Rashaad and Brady Middleton; sisters Delores (Ray) Turley, Sharon (Jerome) Montgomery, Michelle (Angelo) Price; brothers Anthony (Gloria) Harden and Troy (Noni) Harden; brothers-in-law Walter (Marsha) Peeler and Lance (Janet) Peeler; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Brady Sr. and Bertha Harden.

A memorial service to celebrate Brady Harden Jr.'s life will be held on November 10th from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at The Infinity Event Venue located at 10244 S. Vincennes Avenue, Chicago, IL 60643. This will be an opportunity for family, friends, and colleagues to come together and honor Brady's remarkable legacy.

Brady's compassion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to making a difference will be deeply missed. His legacy will continue to inspire others to work towards a more equitable and compassionate society.