April 14, 2005

Northwestern University Press: Alderman's memoir begins Chicago series

With a $165,000 grant from The Chicago Community Trust, Northwestern University Press is set to publish the first three books in its new “Chicago Lives” series. The series begins with the spring publication of a memoir by long-time liberal Chicago Alderman Leon M. Despres. Despres crusaded for decades to ban discrimination, preserve landmark buildings and gain equality for African Americans.

Despres, now 97, will be honored May 5 at the Chicago Historical Society with an event marking the launch of the new book series. The event will feature a discussion on social activism, ethics and justice with Abner Mikva, former federal judge and U.S. congressman.

Open to the public, the 7 p.m. event is free for historical society members, $10 for others. Call (312) 642-4600 or visit www.chicagohs.org for information.

The other “Chicago Lives” books supported by The Chicago Community Trust grant and set for publication are a memoir of Truman K. Gibson Jr., the last surviving member of President Harry Truman’s “Black Cabinet,” and a biography of Earl B. Dickerson, the late civil rights activist and attorney known as the “Dean of Chicago’s Black Lawyers.”

Future books in the series will feature Chicagoans who have had an impact on the city, nation and world and also non-Chicagoans who have left their mark on the city.