Cecil A. Partee facts for kids

Cecil Armillo Partee (born April 10, 1921, died August 17, 1994) was an important American lawyer and politician. He made history by being the first African American to lead the Illinois Senate. He was also the first African American to be the top prosecutor for Cook County. Mr. Partee worked in both the Illinois House of Representatives and the Illinois State Senate. He also served as City Treasurer of Chicago for many years.

About Cecil Partee's Early Life

Cecil Partee was born in Blytheville, Arkansas. He went to Tennessee State University and earned his bachelor's degree. Later, he studied law at Northwestern University School of Law. He received his law degree in 1946.

Cecil Partee's Political Journey

Serving in the Illinois House

After becoming a lawyer, Cecil Partee worked as an assistant state's attorney. In 1956, he was chosen to join the Illinois House of Representatives. He was a member of the Democratic Party.

While in the House, he helped create important laws. He worked on a special committee that decided how voting districts would be set up. He also led a committee that helped create the Illinois Fair Employment Practices Commission. This group worked to make sure everyone had a fair chance at jobs. Mr. Partee also supported laws for fair housing and fair employment practices. These laws aimed to prevent unfair treatment in housing and jobs.

Leading the Illinois State Senate

In 1966, Cecil Partee was elected to the Illinois State Senate. He continued to work hard for the people of Illinois. In 1975, he achieved a major milestone. He was elected as the President of the Illinois Senate. This made him the first African American to hold this powerful position. He was also the first African American to lead any state legislature in the United States since the end of the Reconstruction period.

In 1976, he ran for Illinois Attorney General. He won the Democratic Party's support for the job. However, he lost the main election to William Scott, a Republican.

Working as a Ward Committeeman

During the 1970s, Mr. Partee also served as a Democratic Party committeeman. He represented Chicago's 20th ward. In this role, he helped Harold Washington win a close election for State Representative. This showed his influence in local politics.

Serving as Chicago's City Treasurer

In 1979, Cecil Partee successfully ran for City Treasurer of Chicago. This job involves managing the city's money. He was re-elected two more times. He served as City Treasurer until 1989.

Becoming Cook County State's Attorney

On April 24, 1989, Cecil Partee was appointed as the Cook County State's Attorney. This happened when Richard M. Daley became Mayor of Chicago. As State's Attorney, he was the chief prosecutor for Cook County. He was the first African American to hold this important office. He was the last until Kim Foxx took the role in 2016. He ran for the office in a special election on November 6, 1990, but lost to Republican Jack O'Malley.

Cecil Partee's Passing

Cecil Partee passed away in Chicago on August 17, 1994. He died from lung cancer. His life showed a strong dedication to public service and breaking barriers.