"Throughout his career [Leon M. Despres] has been in the forefront of just about every decent, worthwhile effort made to improve life in this city." —Mike Royko, from the foreword
"Chicago's greatest alderman and one of Chicago's best journalists have produced a fabulous political autobiography. In one exciting book is the story of Leon Despres, the Chicago machine, civil rights and feminist revolutions, and indepedent reform efforts in Chicago for the last fifty years. It is a must-read for all who care about Chicago and America. Alderman Despres provides the judgment, inspiration, wisdom, and vision from which to fashion a better future. Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream, and Leon Despres had a vision and plan for Chicago that is still unfulfilled. It is a tale of courage, fortitude, and brillance that inspires us to pick up the torch that Despres has carried so long and so well." —Dick Simpson, professor of political science, University of Illinois at Chicago, former Chicago alderman, and author of Rogues, Rebels, and Rubber Stamps: The Politics of the Chicago City Cuoncil from 1863 to Present
"If he did nothing else in his public career, Leon Despres would be justly memorialized for his city council fights against racial discrimination. As incredible as it may seem today . . . Leon Despres was the sole voice on the city council to take up this fight. . . . Despres was indeed a champion for civil rights, for ending political corruption, for opportunities for women, and other causes, and his fight should be remembered." —R. Craig Sautter, coauthor with Curt Johnson of The Wicked City: Chicago from Kenna to Capone
