Roderick Sawyer


Roderick Terrance Sawyer is an American politician and the current alderman of the 6th ward located in Chicago, Illinois, United States. In addition to serving as alderman, Sawyer is currently the Chairman of the Health and Human Relations Committee, a member of the Progressive Reform Caucus, and the former Chairman of the African American Caucus.

Background

Born one of three children in Chicago, Illinois to Eugene and Eleanor Sawyer, Sawyer grew up in the 6th ward on the south side. Sawyer is the son of Eugene Sawyer, who served as Mayor of Chicago after the sudden death of Harold Washington from December 1987 until April 1989. His father is also noted as the second African-American to hold the position.
For high school, Sawyer attended St. Ignatius College Prep, graduating in 1981. Sawyer went on to earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance from DePaul University, and a Juris Doctorate from the Chicago Kent College of Law.

Aldermanic career

Sawyer was first elected in 2011 after narrowly defeating incumbent Freddrenna Lyle, and is currently serving his third term, having been reelected in 2015 and 2019.
In the 2019 Chicago mayoral election, Sawyer endorsed Toni Preckwinkle, giving her his endorsement in the first round of the election.
In June 2020, Sawyer proposed an ordinance which would end the Chicago Public Schools' contract to station Chicago Police Department officers at schools.

Personal

Sawyer has been married to Cheryll Aikens since 1993. Together they have two children, Sydni Celeste Sawyer and Roderick T. Sawyer Jr.