In Memoriam (x2)
May. 7th, 2009 07:53 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
mojosmomLeon Despres, 1908-2009, the "grand independent" and "conscience of the city of Chicago"
Barely a year ago, I wrote here:
On Thursday, I went to an author event at our local library. Former journalist, and current author and bookstore owner, Kenan Heise, wrote a book called Chicago Afternoons with Leon: 99 1/2 years old and looking forward, conversations with former alderman Leon Despres, lawyer, thorn in the side of the late Mayor Richard J. Daley, social activist and gadfly. Here's why I like Leon: he was asked about the plan to bring the Olympics to Chicago in 2016, specifically, the plan to build a stadium in a local park. Said Leon, who is now 100: "If they build a stadium in Washington Park, I'm boycotting the Olympics!"
Chicago Tribune obit
Sam Ackerman, 1934-2009, another Hyde Park activist
And word comes of the death on May 1 of Sam Ackerman, a mere 74 years old, but just as contrary and feisty as Len. The Trib described him in some of the same terms they described Len, an activist and "a vocal opponent of Mayor Richard J. Daley".
Chicago Trib obit
Hyde Park, and Chicago, are a bit poorer today.
Barely a year ago, I wrote here:
On Thursday, I went to an author event at our local library. Former journalist, and current author and bookstore owner, Kenan Heise, wrote a book called Chicago Afternoons with Leon: 99 1/2 years old and looking forward, conversations with former alderman Leon Despres, lawyer, thorn in the side of the late Mayor Richard J. Daley, social activist and gadfly. Here's why I like Leon: he was asked about the plan to bring the Olympics to Chicago in 2016, specifically, the plan to build a stadium in a local park. Said Leon, who is now 100: "If they build a stadium in Washington Park, I'm boycotting the Olympics!"
Chicago Tribune obit
Sam Ackerman, 1934-2009, another Hyde Park activist
And word comes of the death on May 1 of Sam Ackerman, a mere 74 years old, but just as contrary and feisty as Len. The Trib described him in some of the same terms they described Len, an activist and "a vocal opponent of Mayor Richard J. Daley".
Chicago Trib obit
Hyde Park, and Chicago, are a bit poorer today.
