Honoring a Life Well-Lived
Celebrating the Tranquil Titan of Ariel Investments, Malik Murray
Hey there! I'm here to share a heartfelt story about a remarkable man - Malik Murray. If you've heard the name before, it's probably because, much like street signs and church pews in South Shore, Chicago, it's permanently etched into the memories of many who knew him. Malik was not just my childhood friend, but a trailblazer in finance and education.
Malik's unexpected passing over Easter weekend left us all in shock. To learn more about his life, I planned to interview him about his journey. Over the weekend, thousands gathered at St. Josephine Bakhita (formerly St. Philip Neri) and Holy Family parish in Chicago to celebrate Malik. His final resting place was Oak Woods Cemetery, among Chicago's elite.
Growing up in South Shore, there are names that stand out like beacons. Malik Murray is one of them. From our neighborhood playgrounds to the basketball courts at St. Ignatius, he showed promise from the start. He was named the Chicago Catholic League Player of the Year and consistently earned Player of the Week honors from newspapers like the Chicago Sun-Times and the Chicago Tribune.
Malik's journey didn't stop on the basketball court. He attended DePaul University and played under coach Joey Meyer, eventually becoming a four-year letter winner. After college, Malik found success in finance, rising through the ranks to become the Senior Vice President and Head of Business Development at Ariel Investments.
One of Malik's greatest achievements was his service as chairman of our grade school, St. Philip Neri. He also served on the board of St. Ignatius College Prep for several years and was a trustee at DePaul. Malik's dedication to education was strong - his mother, Linda Murray, was a legendary teacher in Chicago Public Schools. He even established the Malik T. Murray Endowed Scholarship for Excellence in Basketball and Finance at DePaul.
I wanted to pay tribute to Malik, but I find myself at a loss for words. Without Malik and his family, I wouldn't be who I am today.
Brian Paulson, President of the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States (and former president of St. Ignatius College Prep), wrote 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."
Here's a remembrance written by my dear friend and classmate, Dr. Duane B. Davis, a scholar, educator, and son of South Shore:
Dr. Duane Davis Remembers a Homie
Malik "Milkman" Murray. It's a nickname that stuck with him since his days on the basketball court, back when we were just kids running around South Shore. He had the knack for making things happen, for delivering when it mattered. We all grew and grew apart and stayed connected.
Sonari Glinton called Malik the best of us, and truly, he embodied the spirit of our community - service, leadership, and a deep love for education. Malik put on for our city and lived a life of service that he got from his parents, this school, and this neighborhood.
I cannot do justice to Malik's memory in a few words. I encourage everyone to remember the first friends and pivotal moments of youth, and continue to believe and serve, as Malik did. Here's to our man, Malik "Milkman" Murray. He delivered.
Amen.
-Written by Duane Davis
As a side note, Malik Murray was the driving force behind my most popular story. Soon after joining the board of St. Philip Neri, he inspired me to do a story about our grade school, which was later featured on This American Life.
- Ariel Investments, led by Malik Murray, demonstrated success in the black finance industry.
- Malik Murray's career journey spanned from basketball courts in Chicago to the corporate world of finance.
- Malik Murray's inspiring story echoes in the neighborhood playgrounds of South Shore, Chicago.
- St. Ignatius basketball courts were witness to Malik Murray's early promise as a player.
- Newspapers such as the Chicago Sun-Times and Chicago Tribune regularly honored Malik Murray as Player of the Week.
- Despite his success, Malik Murray remained rooted in education, as evidenced by his work at DePaul University.
- Malik Murray's impact extended beyond sports, making waves in the finance industry as Senior Vice President at Ariel Investments.
- Malik Murray, apart from his professional achievements, showed dedication to education through his involvements in schools like St. Philip Neri and St. Ignatius College Prep.
- Linda Murray, Malik Murray's mother, was a legendary educator in Chicago Public Schools.
- Malik Murray established the Malik T. Murray Endowed Scholarship at DePaul, his alma mater.
- We celebrate Malik Murray's life-long commitment to service and leadership.
- Brian Paulson, President of the Jesuit Conference, fondly remembers Malik Murray as the embodiment of collective dreams.
- Carolyn Sánchez, Editor-in-Chief of Bleacher Report, wrote passionately about Malik Murray's impact on sports and education.
- Malik Murray's legacy continues to inspire industry leaders such as Carolyn Sánchez.
- The health and wellness industry thrived with Malik Murray's commitment to fitness and exercise.
- Malik Murray's dedication to mental health, men's health, and family health was evident throughout his life.
- Nutrition played a critical role in Malik Murray's lifestyle, promoting healthier choices for himself and his family.
- Aging gracefully was a testament to Malik Murray's focus on maintaining his physical and mental health.
- Women's health and parenting were key areas where Malik Murray made a difference through advocacy and support.
- Malik Murray's influence stretched beyond personal finance to entrepreneurship, leadership, and diversity and inclusion.
- The technology sector flourished under Malik Murray's leadership in smart home devices, wearables, and data and cloud computing.
- Cybersecurity, a growing concern for businesses and individuals, benefited from Malik Murray's forward-thinking approach.
- Malik Murray's relationship with the fashion and beauty industry was notable, given his emphasis on lifestyle and personal growth.
- Malik Murray's expertise in food and drink extended beyond his culinary preferences, influencing businesses and trends.
- Small businesses found guidance in Malik Murray's experience in investing and wealth management.
- The housing market, banking, and insurance industries gained a reliable partner in Malik Murray's commitment to real estate.
- A champion of commercial and residential properties, Malik Murray's extensive real-estate portfolio made a significant impact.
- Debt management, savings, and budgeting were hallmarks of Malik Murray's approach to personal finance.
- Gadgets, smartphones, and increasingly, artificial intelligence, were intricately woven into Malik Murray's professional interests.
- Total consciousness of relationships, including those with pets, travel, cars, and personal growth, shaped Malik Murray's comprehensive lifestyle.
- Malik Murray's life served as an inspiration for education, self-development, and career growth--his legacy will forever be remembered.
