As a founder of a coffee house operating globally and a recipient of the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, recognition has never been the goal. Samuel is running for Alderman because he's seen firsthand the consequences of community concerns going unheard. This campaign is not about opposition, it's about defiance. This campaign is about the people of the 7th Ward.
A New Voice For the 7th Ward
Samuel C. Sparks was born and raised in South Shore, and that foundation has never left him. For more than 15 years, he has built his life around service to others. The values that guide him today were instilled in him by his family, his career, and his lived experiences. For Samuel, service means showing up, listening, and taking action where it matters most.
Spending more than a decade under Steve Harvey’s tutelage, and his stylist, gave Samuel rare insight into what it takes to turn vision into reality through discipline, perseverance, and efficient execution. He brought those lessons back to the communities that shaped him, opening doors for the next generation. His impact extends across the nation through partnerships with the Steve Harvey Foundation, Chicago Public Schools, the Cook County Juvenile Justice System, and Florida youth detention centers. For their future and ours, Samuel is done with excuses, done with disinvestment, and committed to fight for the opportunities every neighborhood deserves.