It has been a tense and intense relationship between Anthony Clark and Oak Park and River Forest High School, where Clark has been a special ed teacher for more than a decade. That ended when the school board recently accepted Clark’s resignation.
In the usual cloud of no comment on matters of personnel, it is not exactly clear what finally led to this separation. Clark has been on the bubble at OPRF for a long time. Possible that his departure is linked to the debates within the school over the Hamas attack on Israeli citizens and Israel’s unconscionable demolition of Gaza in response. Clark and at least two other OPRF teachers were caught in that upset. It is also possible that his resignation is due to other unreported causes.
Our point today is to note that for all the controversy Anthony Clark has been surrounded in, and not only at OPRF, that our villages have benefitted from his loud and mostly purposeful advocacy. Clark is foundationally an activist. He has worked to function within a political framework as his multiple and unsuccessful attempts to win election have shown. He has chafed within the confines of a large public education institution.
But has he inspired even as he has infuriated? Yes. Has he spoken up for equity and worked to define it? Yes. Has he lifted up local Black history as he has helped cement the legacy of Fred Hampton? Yes. Has he made enduring and ground-level investments across the near west suburbs with his Suburban Unity Alliance? Yes.
Anthony Clark is a complex person. And he has made a complex life. But his contributions to our communities are real. And we are certain they are not over.
