As they filed into the South Side church Saturday morning, many of the mourners wore white and gold ribbons–symbols of the love and unity they felt for a woman they called the “first lady of the CHA.”
With their voices echoing throughout the pews and hallways of the Apostolic Church of God in Christ, about 500 people celebrated the life of Artensa Randolph, the longtime matriarch of Chicago Housing Authority residents who died Tuesday.
Government officials, CHA residents, friends and family came to honor the memory of Randolph, the lone tenant representative on the CHA board and 20-year president of the Central Advisory Council, the authority’s umbrella group of tenant groups.
Randolph, 81, was described as a pioneer who fought for 30 years to give CHA residents a voice. Her work became a model for other tenant leaders across the nation.
“She came to the CHA during a time when the residents needed a leader. The residents were told to keep their mouths shut and pay their rent, but she gave them the means to speak their minds,” said Joseph Shuldiner, CHA’s executive director. “We can fill her position, but we can’t replace someone as special as she.”
In addition to her pioneering work, Randolph was known for her unique style. She was buried in a matching gray silver dress and elaborate shiny silver hat in a gray casket.
But those who bid farewell said she will best be remembered for her legacy. Alvin Head, 41, a construction worker for the CHA, said Randolph was a different kind of role model for young African-Americans who often look up to athletes or rap singers.
“So many black youths don’t know that older black adults sacrificed and did so much to make their lives better,” Head said. “But then they learn of people like Randolph, and they understand how much we’ve accomplished.”
At the services, Randolph’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren read poems in her honor.
The service drew an array of political and community leaders, including Edwin Eisendrath, chairman of the CHA board and the top Midwest official of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; U.S. Reps. Danny Davis and Bobby Rush (D-Ill.); Chicago Public Schools chief Paul Vallas; and state Sen. Margaret Smith (D-Chicago).
Cheers and applause erupted from those who filled the church’s pews when Eisendrath said Randolph’s body left the earthly world so her courageous spirit could make a difference in the heavenly world.
In ending his eulogy, Eisendrath said, “Sarah and all the other brave women of the Old Testament are about to be organized.”
