One hundred years ago, the Cubs won the World Series, and Leon Despres was born. He’s been called “the conscience of the city” and “the protector of the lakefront.”

As an attorney and alderman, Despres has spent a lifetime tirelessly fighting on behalf of others in the areas of civil rights, women’s rights, and organized labor. The lone independent voice in Chicago’s city council for 20 years, Despres’ speeches on the council floor would cause Richard J. Daley to turn beet red.

More than 30 years after his retirement from public office, Leon Despres is still fighting for what he believes in. His friend, journalist Kenan Heise has documented those battles in the new book Chicago Afternoons With Leon: 99 ½ Years Old and Looking Forward. Heise recently talked with Eight Forty-Eight’s Richard Steele. 

Music Button: Clutchy Hopkins, “Percy on the One” from the CD Walking Sdrawkcab (Ubiquity records)