Representative Kenneth Dunkin

What a charming, inspiring person — let alone a politician!
Rep. Dunkin (D) represents the 5^th legislative district in the Illinois General Assembly, which is huge and straddles both sides of the Dan Ryan Expressway, reaching from «the Gold Coast to Soul Coast,» as he put it.
I had the privilege of hearing Rep. Dunkin speak last night at my daughter’s high school graduation. He was excited for the graduates (his own daughter was among them), but more importantly, this man’s humility and reverence for his own success was extraordinary and his background and life path, inspiring.
In the context of reminding the graduates that they should be proud of themselves and not take graduating even from high school for granted, he openly shared some intimate family details, including that half his siblings are incarcerated or have recently been released from Illinois or federal prisons.
Dunkin was born and raised in Cabrini Green, attended Lincoln Park High School, graduated with an AA degree from Harold Washington College, a BA in Political Science from Morehouse College, and an MA in Social Service Administration from the University of Chicago.
Dunkin began his career as a social worker, and then became the Director of the Robert Taylor Boys and Girls Club of Chicago, and ultimately a Consultant for the City of Chicago Department of Health and Department on Aging.
The man was stunningly humble and not the least bit full of himself. If you are lucky enough to live in his district, check him out. He’s a jewel.