Sam Ackerman 1934-2009

I'm saddened by the loss of friend and long-time Chicago civil-rights activist Sam Ackerman. He helped organize for the 1963 March on Washington and was an important part of the movement that elected Harold Washington, the city's first black mayor. Sam was also a schools activist and was elected to the Local School Council at Kenwood High School.

"My memories are going to protest marches with him for every cause imaginable," said his daughter Valerie, 52. "From being in a stroller to walking with picket signs to watching him being involved in Democratic convention stuff. He inspired people to be activists." (Chicago Tribune)