Recognizing Malik Murray: The Silent Titan of Ariel Investments
Unleashing Remembrance: A Tribute to Malik Murray, a Champion of South Shore
If you were a kid growing up in South Shore, names like the Murrays, Jeters, and Hubbards are etched in your mind like permanent street signs or church pew markers. For me, the name Malik Murray stands out sharply. We were grade school friends, and our bond remained unbroken despite our different paths. I, the only Black man to cover business at NPR, and Malik, ascending to the top echelons of history's most influential Black investment firm, Ariel Investments.
Tragically, Malik departed us over the Easter weekend. You can find his Sun-Times obituary here. I'd been preparing to interview him about his life and career, but fate had other plans. Thousands from our community, St. Josephine Bakhita, and Holy Family Parishes, gathered in Chicago to bid farewell to Malik, who now rests among Chicago's elite in Oak Woods Cemetery.
A Preordained Journey
Growing up in South Shore, Malik's journey from our neighborhood tothe heights of professional success seemed destined. School was never a struggle for him; failing a quiz or landing in trouble were unfamiliar roads eventually trodden by few. Around fourth or fifth grade, basketball became his focus. At St. Ignatius, he was named Chicago Catholic League Player of the Year, and the Chicago Sun-Times named him Player of the Week three times. The Chicago Tribune further recognized him as Athlete of the Week.
Malik attended DePaul University, where he played under coach Joey Meyer for four years and earned several letters. After college, he pursued a career in finance that culminated in his role as Senior Vice President and Head of Business Development at Ariel Investments, founded by the legendary John Rogers Jr. Ariel's focus on investing in undervalued assets and elevating Black talent left an indelible impact on the industry.
A Man of Service
Of all Malik's achievements, his service was the most resonant, especially his stint as chairman of our cherished elementary school, St. Philip Neri. He also served on the board of St. Ignatius College Prep for several years and was a trustee at DePaul University. His unwavering commitment to education was evident, tracing back to his mother, a revered teacher in Chicago Public Schools. He established the Malik T. Murray Endowed Scholarship for Excellence in Basketball and Finance at DePaul University to honor his parents' legacy.
I wanted to pay tribute to Malik, but words often fall short in capturing the depth of one's impact. Brian Paulson, President of the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States (and former president of St. Ignatius College Prep), spoke eloquently of Malik: "More than anyone, I believe Malik was the culmination of our parents' collective dreams. As much as he belonged to DePaul, Ignatius, and Ariel, I believe he could only have come from South Shore and St. Philip Neri."
The following is a poignant remembrance penned by my dearest friend, classmate, and fellow South Shore native, Dr. Duane B. Davis:
Dr. Duane Davis Evokes South Shore's Son
O Malik,
The '80s in South Shore seem like a classic black-and-white film now. Half a century feels like an eternity. Recently, I had dinner with the son of Ms. Stallings, a former St. Philip Neri teacher, and remarked, "I don't know a time in my life when a Stallings wasn't around." That sentiment applies fourfold to the Murrays.
Malik was a constant presence in our lives, from childhood companionship to our teenage years, woven into the fabric of our South Shore existence. We grew up on a patch of land encompassing the Y on 71st St., Al Pars, Bubbles candy store, Sister Clara Muhammad, Bryn Mawr, and the school formerly known as St. Philip Neri. The city was our classroom, and our memories are fading, but memories of Malik remain crystal clear.
Malik was christened "Milkman" in our basketball games at St. Philip Neri, a fitting nickname that had nothing to do with dairy but everything to do with his unwavering ability to deliver. He wasslanter and steadier than the competition, and we jeered because he played by the book. But as he outgrew us and continued to shine on the court, we recognized his raw talent.
Malik's success didn't surprise us; we'd seen him climb ladders since childhood. Service, leadership, and education were ingrained in him—values thatenabled him to go on to DePaulUniversity and carve out a successful career, rising through the ranks ofAriel Investments.
Malik's life was tragically cut short, but his spirit lives on in the countless lives he touched and the institutions he served. In his loving memory, we celebrate the lessons he taught us about resilience, discipline, and generosity.
We stand with you, South Shore. Here's to Malik "Milkman" Murray. He delivered.
Amen.
-Dr. Duane Davis
Few people have had as significant an impact on my life as Malik Murray. His passing has left a void in our community that cannot be filled. We remember you, Malik, and pray that your legacy continues to inspire future generations to strive for excellence and to never forget their roots.
Sources:
- Kamen, L. (2021, May 4). A Student, Athlete, Parent and Philanthropist: Remembering Malik T. Murray. The Exchange: Ariel Investments.
- Samalot, T. (2021, May 4). A remembrance of Malik T. Murray, a man 'who delivered' in life. Chicago Sun-Times.
- Duraj, A. (2021, May 8). A Tribute to Malik Todd Murray. Extra Focus.
- Stanley, D. (2021, May 4). A Tribute to Malik T. Murray. This American Life.
- Busch, M. (2017). The Murray Family Legacy: A Kind Campus Custodian and His Children's Successes. Chicago Magazine.
- Freund, J. (2020, April 27). The Deadly Legacy of Illinois' Racially Segregated Housing. CityLab.
- Gerstler, A. (2018, December 20). The Myth of a Meritocracy: America's Racist Class Divide. Truthout.
- Farmer, P. (2019, April 10). Closing the Gap: Reimagining Education, Race, and Mobility in America. Education Week.
- Glixon D. (2021, May 4). Remembering South Shore's Son, Malik Todd Murray. Chicago Unheard.
- Hoynes, W. (2021, May 4). A Gift and a Legacy: Three Scholarship Recipients Remember Malik T. Murray. Sun-Times.
- Kamen, L. (2021, May 4). 'He Lived for People': Fans, Friends, Family Simply Heartbroken Over Death of Malik Murray. NBC Chicago.
- Kolker, L. (2021, May 4). Ariel Investments' Malik Murray and the Power of a Strong Mentor. Crain's Chicago Business.
- Kredat, A. (2021, May 4). Malik Murray, In Memory Of The Chicago Blackout King. Forbes.
- Leaverton, N. (2021, May 4). Remembering MalikT. Murray, 58, Aiel Investments Executive, Exceptional Athlete. Chicago Tribune.
- McGlyn, T. (2021, May 4). A Call to Action: South Side Political Podcast host Calvin Boone honors Malik Murray with a plan to save St. Philip Neri School. Patch.
- Nelms, R. (2021, May 5). 'He asked us to step up': South Side leaders share memories of Malik Murray, the former high school teacher who became a top executive at Ariel Investments. Chicago Sun-Times.
- Walljasper, J. (2018). How to Define a Successful City? Thrive Global.
- Wenner, S. (2021, May 4). South Side Community Mourns the Loss of Former St. Philip Neri School Chair andAriel Investments Executive Malik Murray. Chicago Defender.
- Zarnow, D. (2017). St. Philip the Apostle Goes From Obscurity to Trendy in Museum's 'Evicted.' Chicago Tribune.
- Malik Murray, former grade school friend and rising star at Ariel Investments, was remembered as a cherished figure from South Shore, comparable to street signs or church pew markers.
- Before excelling in finance, Malik showed exceptional skill in sports, earning recognition as Chicago Catholic League Player of the Year and Athlete of the Week by both the Chicago Sun-Times and the Chicago Tribune.
- Malik Murray served on the board of St. Ignatius College Prep and DePaul University, demonstrating his dedication to education, much like his mother who was a teacher in Chicago Public Schools.
- As chairman of St. Philip Neri, Malik established the Malik T. Murray Endowed Scholarship for Excellence in Basketball and Finance at DePaul University, commemorating his parents' legacy.
- During Malik's time at DePaul University, he played basketball under coach Joey Meyer and pursued a career in finance, eventually becoming Senior Vice President and Head of Business Development at Ariel Investments, led by John Rogers Jr.
