American Constitution
Society
to honor five legal legends
The
American Constitution
Society for Law and Policy ("ACS") is one of those
wonderful civic organizations that stands up for the
real values of our nation -- the ones articulated in the
Constitution.
Today, at its
Fourth Annual Legal Legends Luncheon, the
Chicago Lawyer Chapter of ACS will honor five
attorneys for their extraordinary contributions to the
Chicago legal community and their efforts to promote the
vitality of the U.S. Constitution and the fundamental
values it expresses.
The 2009 Legal Legend honorees are:
Former Chicago alderman and
long-time civil rights hero
Leon Despres, who died last month at the age of 101.
Alderman Leon Despres, speaking at the 1971 Hike for
Hunger.
I remember that day. I was an 18-year-old high school
senior,
and I participated in that hike, walking all 35 miles,
while listening
on my transistor radio to the Stanley Cup Finals game
between
the Blackhawks and the Montreal Canadians at the Chicago Stadium.
Chicago Tribune file photo. Used with permission.
State Representative
Barbara Flynn Currie (D-25). Rep. Currie is the
House Majority Leader.
Former Illinois Appellate
Court Justice
Alan J. Greiman. Judge Greiman was the Assistant
Majority Leader when he served in the Illinois House.
He
co-sponsored Illinois' first gay rights bill.
Alexander Polikoff, Public Housing Program Director
with Business and
Professional People for the Public Interest, another
great Chicago institution that has been fighting for
social justice for 40 years.
Fay Clayton of
Robinson,
Curley & Clayton, P.C. Miss Clayton is this year's
recipient of the Ruth Goldman Award.
The American Constitution
Society hosts many fabulous
events which are open to the public and are usually
free of charge. You don't have to be a lawyer or a
member of ACS to attend. You just have to care
about our community.
