Record #: R2018-688   
Type: Resolution Status: Adopted
Intro date: 6/27/2018 Current Controlling Legislative Body:
Final action: 6/27/2018
Title: Tribute to late Honorable George N. Leighton
Sponsors: Emanuel, Rahm, Burke, Edward M., Austin, Carrie M., Sawyer, Roderick T.
Attachments: 1. R2018-688.pdf

OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

CITY OF CHICAGO

RAHM EMANUEL

MAYOR

 

June 27, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TO THE HONORABLE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO

 

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

I transmit herewith, together with Aldermen Burke, Austin and Sawyer, a resolution concerning the life and memory of George Leighton.

 

Your favorable consideration of this resolution will be appreciated.

Mayor

 

 

Very truly yours,

 

resolution

adopud by Tlie Gity Gouncil ofthe Qity of Gkicago, Illinois

 

V

Aldermen Edward M. Burke, Carrie M. Austin, Roderick T. Sawyer and
resented by    Mayor Rahm Emanuel                                          0K        June 27, 2018

 

^fth(!fB0lS' The Members of:ttijs Chamber 'vj/er.e deeply -saddened to learn of the
ded'th/ori June 6;'2018, at age ^OJ/pf'Judge George N. Leighton. Judge' Leighton served
the people of Chicago With dedication and distinction for more than six decades, a
remarkable-tenure; and •                     ■ , ; • .

 

WHERE&                     1912 as'Geprge Leitadi in

Massachusetts. 'Growing up* ihev.wbfke^iw'jth .His^pqrenfs. -immigrants 'from the Cape
Verde IsldndsMn "the/cranbefryv^^                     -wife, Virginia,,and' the.

-frappyicoup ejwas married. f@Ftiaeariy 50iyears until Viraini.avs.passing,in 1992;and .:. ...;

* .:,-y:<&j:&&i-&&■      '•'. :     s&,-*xL:.^>-;:j.y ■ ,.-.y.                     ~~-?-\                     •• ;■■••<:.'   - v ~--;';:, ■

■                     M/UCDCA'C ' A + .nnQ''T7' Y^a7r\r/HiU.iii/-"il-i+/->r"i"Icjff cAlrvVS/->l       wrsrlr iTin nri ^il.Tnnt'cir. -From-

After .graduating'from'. Howard3iQili?.#0;-he .enrolled':at Harvard' Law. Sehpol,; .pausing ;ftis . slegal. studies briefly^serve in^the.Se.c©nd>VVorld'War,beforegraduating in l?46;.and „.

 

'■'■'; V •  WHEREAS) George Le^htQh^erS/ied bravely during World War ll'iri the segregated 93'? I rn f a n tr?J>' iy r s i 6 ri 7 ^ffs 1 n q tp/ithe rank.pf •Cdpta'ih'and earning the Asiatic Pacific Service •• Medbl, Bronze Star; and   1     ''    . "

 

WHEREAS, After gradugiiHg'fr|)"m law school, Geprge Leigh'tbn moved fo Chicago
qrip'/beg'an a.stejli|fc^gre^                     became g leading

eiyil jigrits '.lawyer^ Representing'faWili^s -aifd individuals fighting for fair, housing and
integrated schools; qnp!    .                     '      . .

 

WHEREAS, George Leighton often took on cases pro bono, including traveling to the south to help protect voting rights in Alabama, ensure jury representation in Mississippi, and assist with other civil rights matters; and

 

WHEREAS, In 1960, Judge Leighton began his work with the judiciary, first serving as Master in Chancery for the Circuit Court of Cook County for four years, and then as a judge for five years with the Circuit Court of Cook County. In 1969, he became the first African American to hold the position of district appellate judge in Illinois, when he was appointed to serve on the First District Appellate Court; and

 

 

BE /T FURTHER RESOLVED. That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the family of Judge George N. Leighton as a token of our sympathy and esteem.