[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 56 (Tuesday, May 3, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E853]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN HONOR OF THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LEGAL AID SOCIETY OF CLEVELAND

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                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 3, 2005

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of 
the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland, as we join them in celebrating 100 
years of outstanding service in advocating for the legal rights of our 
most vulnerable citizens, our poor. The Legal Aid Society was formed in 
May 1905, as a beacon of protection and hope in assisting low-income 
individuals in matters of legal concern. Isador Grossman was its sole 
attorney until 1912. He served thousands of immigrants in desperate 
need of a trusted legal advocate.
  Over the past century, the Legal Aid Society has grown and evolved, 
yet its core mission has remained constant and unwavering--to provide 
compassionate support to those unable to afford legal representation, 
and also to advocate on behalf of critical issues facing our community. 
The work of the Legal Aid counselors is far-reaching. During the early 
part of the nineteenth century, Legal Aid attorneys helped establish 
the Cleveland Municipal Court and Small Claims Court that served to 
replace corrupted judicial officials. In 1966, C. Lyonel Jones was 
appointed the Legal Aid Society's executive director, a position he has 
today. His passion for social justice and compassion for the people of 
our community is reflected throughout his tenure. Mr. Jones has led his 
legal team with integrity, heart, conviction and an unwavering focus on 
numerous human rights issues, from advocating for the restoration of 
the Hough neighborhood in the 60's, winning cases to improve the lives 
of those living in psychiatric facilities and nursing homes, advocating 
on behalf of battered women, and forcing Republic Steel to comply with 
the EPA's Clean Air Act.
  Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and celebration 
of every staff member and volunteer of the Legal Aid Society of 
Cleveland, whose individual and collective work over the past century 
has offered solutions, hope and peace for countless individuals and 
families. For the past four decades, the outstanding work of the entire 
staff, led by Executive Director, C. Lyonel Jones, has served to offer 
many people hope and has brought critical social issues into the light 
of day. Their advocacy continues to strengthen the foundation of 
humanity throughout our entire community, one phone call at a time.

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