.png)
A MESAGE ON FACING OUR CHALLENGES
Words cannot express the great challenges we face in the 1st District to advance true equity and respect in every community. From supporting our most vulnerable youth in thejuvenile justice system in need of supports, skills, grounding, & pathways for positive living, to our elders in need of housing, services, and activities,am ready! Actions will best express my deep and passionate commitment to ensure Black, Brown, and all marginalized voices are at the table, engaged in decision-making, and gaining needed solutions. Without hesitation, I am humbled by this opportunity to serve all residents in the1st District of Cook County!
Background & Bio
Tara Stamps
Cook County Board of Commissioners
District 1
​
Commissioner Tara Stamps’ entire life has been devoted to organizing working people to transform their communities into places of belonging, equity, and justice. In fact, it's in her blood.
Born to the legendary freedom fighter and civil rights icon Marion Stamps in Cabrini-Green in 1969, Tara grew up knowing full well the struggle of working-class people navigating disinvestment, violence, and racism. Yet, she also learned the importance of fighting back.
After earning her degree from Central State University in 1990, Tara went on to work full-time and earn two master's degrees, one in Curriculum and Instruction and the other in Educational Leadership. In 1996, Tara got her first full-time teaching job at Leslie Lewis Elementary School, where she brought a passion for teaching and service and a big heart for students to the classroom.
In 2004, Tara was hired as an ELA teacher at Jenner Academy in the Cabrini-Green community where she was born and raised.
Throughout her decades-long career as an educator, Tara has also served as an activist and a prophetic voice for change. She joined the Chicago Teachers Union, serving in various roles within the CTU and organizing with other labor affiliate organizations in opposition to school closures, the privatization of city services, and the militarization of police in Black and Brown communities.
Tara has spent her life serving students and loving people and continues the work of justice and equity in line with the legacy of her mother to this day.
As Commissioner
As Cook County Commissioner, representing the 1rst District on Chicago’s West Side and the West Suburbs, Tara brings with her a deep passion and commitment in several key areas
- Access to high-quality affordable healthcare through the expansion and full funding of the County Care program
- Access to higher wages and better jobs through economic development
- Restorative justice approach to public safety and community violence, as well as violence prevention
- Equal opportunity to public services in every zip code
- Giving working people a voice in County government
To accomplish each of these justice-oriented missions, Commissioner Stamps is inviting all residents of the 1rst District to engage in the political process, to bring their ideas and unique concerns to the public policy table, and to mobilize friends and neighbors to fight for the 1rst District we all deserve.