Malik Murray: A South Shore Legacy
Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Malik Murray, the Unassuming Pillar of Ariel Investments
Hey there! Let's chat about Malik Murray, a Chicago hero whose tale of triumph and service will leave you inspired. Malik, an old friend from our South Shore days, made remarkable strides from the streets of our neighborhood to the upper echelons of finance and beyond, all the while keeping community, faith, and family close. Let's dive into his story.
Celebrating a Life Well-Lived
Malik Murray was more than just a familiar name in South Shore; he was a pillar of the community. His sudden passing over Easter weekend has left a huge void, but his legacy lives on. Among countless tributes, thousands gathered at St. Josephine Bakhita Church and Holy Family parish in Chicago to pay their respects. His final resting place? The prestigious Oak Woods Cemetery, among Chicago's elite.
From Streets to A-List
It seems like destiny was guiding Malik from the start. In our neighborhood school, neither failing quizzes nor trouble caught his eye. Basketball was his passion, and he quickly cemented his name in Chicago sports history. St. Ignatius College Prep named him Chicago Catholic League Player of the Year, while the Chicago Sun-Times and the Chicago Tribune saluted him as Player of the Week and Athlete of the Week, respectively.
After college caught the basketball bug at DePaul University under coach Joey Meyer, Malik continued to excel academically and athletically. Eventually, his career in finance reached new heights, culminating at Ariel Investments, an influential Black-owned investment firm, as Senior Vice President and Head of Business Development and Institutional Marketing. Ariel Investments championed investments in undervalued assets, fostering opportunities for Black talent.
Education: The Heart of the Matter
Education was at the heart of Malik's passion and mission. He served as chairman of our very own St. Philip Neri School, a testament to his commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders. He also served on the board of St. Ignatius College Prep and was a trustee at DePaul, demonstrating his unwavering belief in the power of education. Unsurprisingly, his mother, Linda Murray, was a venerable teacher in Chicago Public Schools. Malik established the Malik T. Murray Endowed Scholarship for Excellence in Basketball and Finance at DePaul, empowering deserving students to chase their dreams.
Tribute to a Lifelong Friend
It's challenging to put into words the impact that Malik had on our lives. There's no denying that without Malik, I wouldn't be who I am today. Dr. Duane Davis, another childhood friend and classmate, beautifully captures the essence of Malik and his legacy in the following remembrance:
Dr. Duane B. Davis Remembers A Son of South Shore
O Malik,
South Shore in the '80s, much like the old days, holds a special place in our memories. As decades pass, the aura of the good old days only grows stronger.
Malik, your unwavering presence in our lives feels like a birthright. Some recollections fade with time, but our connection to the Murrays will never fade. I remember Kai, Malik, and Kamau as if it were yesterday; the small patch of land encompassing our beloved Y on 71st St., Al Pars, Bubbles candy store, Sister Clara Muhammad, Bryn Mawr, and the school formerly known as St. Philip Neri was our world.
The city was our classroom. I seem to remember Ms. Sperling at an art museum professional development asking, "Do you remember spending these spaces as a child?" I remember most of it, but the memories begin to blur, only to be sharpened by moments like the ones we shared.
Malik 'Milkman' Murray. Few of Malik's St. Ignatius and DePaul teammates may have known this affectionate nickname. Milkman was dubbed because he always delivered, even when it came to the rules. When Malik experienced a significant growth spurt, I knew he would dominate All-Catholic League and post impressive stats. I prophesied, "Milkman will ride these skills to a free education." He did, and much more.
As we grew and grew apart, our friendship remained unbroken. I married a woman closely tied to the Murrays-my connection to the family proved to be fate.
Malik 'Milkman' Murray lives on in our hearts and our good works. As people of faith, we honor his memory by cherishing the first friends and pivotal moments of our youth, and by continuing his acts of service.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.
-Written by Duane Davis
One last note, it was Malik who inspired my most popular story for This American Life. He played a crucial role when he suggested that I do a piece about our grade school. When I balked at the idea, he jokingly retorted, "Barbara Walters didn't go to St. Philip Neri!" He wouldn't take no for an answer, and the rest, as they say, is history.
- Malik Murray's story showcases triumph and service, inspiring those in South Shore, Chicago.
- Thousands gathered at St. Josephine Bakhita Church and Holy Family parish to pay their respects to Malik Murray.
- Oak Woods Cemetery is Malik Murray's final resting place, among Chicago's elite.
- Basketball was Malik Murray's passion, earning him awards like Player of the Year at St. Ignatius College Prep.
- Malik Murray continued to excel in both academics and athletics during his college days at DePaul University.
- Malik Murray's career in finance culminated at Ariel Investments, an influential Black-owned investment firm.
- Malik Murray served as chairman of St. Philip Neri School, a testament to his commitment to nurturing leaders.
- Malik Murray was a trustee at DePaul University, demonstrating his unwavering belief in the power of education.
- Malik Murray established the Malik T. Murray Endowed Scholarship for Excellence in Basketball and Finance at DePaul.
- Dr. Duane Davis remembers Malik Murray as an unwavering presence in their lives.
- Malik Murray delivered academically and athletically at St. Ignatius College Prep.
- Education was at the heart of Malik Murray's passion and mission.
- Malik Murray's career reached new heights, becoming the Senior Vice President at Ariel Investments.
- Ariel Investments focused on investing in undervalued assets for Black talent.
- Malik Murray's mother, Linda Murray, was a venerable teacher in Chicago Public Schools.
- Malik Murray's basketball skills earned him a free education.
- Duane Davis's wife was closely tied to the Murrays.
- Malik Murray played a crucial role in Duane Davis's most popular story for "This American Life."
- Malik Murray suggested Duane Davis do a piece about their grade school for "This American Life."
- Malik Murray's life and legacy served as a source of inspiration for personal growth.
- Malik Murray's unwavering presence leaves a void in the South Shore community.
- The future of South Shore depends on the continuation of Malik Murray's acts of service.
- Malik Murray's story resonates beyond South Shore, inspiring many in finance, education, and sports.
- Personal finance, wealth management, and small business are important aspects of Malik Murray's legacy.
- Malik Murray's dedication to diversity-and-inclusion, leadership, and entrepreneurship continues to influence others.
- Malik Murray's impact extends to real-estate, home-and-garden, business, housing-market, investments, and career-development.
