Stevie Hopkins
Stevie Hopkins, friend of AHS, Department of Disability and Human Development passed away suddenly on January 24, 2024.
Stevie Hopkins passed away suddenly on January 24, 2024. Stevie was a friend of the Department of Disability and Human Development (DHD) at UIC. He was the designer of the numerous DHD t-shirts worn by students, faculty and staff over the years in the annual Disability Pride Parade. Stevie and his sister Annie attended UI Champaign-Urbana and after graduation Annie became a PhD candidate at UIC before her untimely death at the age of 26 in 2009. Annie designed the well-known image of a stick figure sitting in a wheelchair and the wheels of the chair form a heart. She started the business known as 3eLove shortly before her death and Stevie took it over and built the brand in honor of her. 3e stands for Embrace, Educate, Empower.
Stevie was a public speaker and was sought out for many events and conferences. He went into elementary and high schools talking to children and young adults about disability and acceptance. Stevie established the Day of Acceptance that is recognized on January 20th every year in honor of his sister Annie and her work which was focused on awareness and acceptance of people with disabilities with emphasis on people with disabilities accepting themselves and becoming empowered. Stevie loved music and was forever the entrepreneur. Several years ago he started a business providing swag for members of the music community that they sold at their concerts, on their websites, etc. At one point he employed over 100 people, many who had disabilities. He was a mentor and friend to many.
Stevie's family established the Annie Hopkins Scholarship at UIC that benefits DHD graduate students who are interested in any of the following topics: Disability and Sex, Relationships and Dating; Social Model of Disability; and Social Entrepreneurship. Stevie often represented the family at the DHD scholarship event to present the award to the recipient.
Stevie was a staunch advocate that was known nationally for his message and work. Read more about Stevie here.