[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 21 (Wednesday, February 1, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E83]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF LARRY R. ROGERS, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. JONATHAN L. JACKSON

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 1, 2023

  Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life 
of attorney Larry R. Rogers, Sr. Chicago recently lost a powerhouse in 
the legal community, a dedicated leader in the civil rights fight, and 
a man who inspired me. America was a better place because Larry lived 
in it, and I am proud to recognize him in Congress.
  As a native to the Roseland neighborhood in the south side of 
Chicago, Larry was raised by his mother who worked 2 jobs to support 
their family and pay for her children to attend Catholic school. Larry 
was inspired by her work ethic and commitment to a good education, 
which was evident in the path Larry pursued for himself.
  After graduating college, Larry put his dreams on hold in order to 
provide for his own family. While working at 1 of his 3 jobs, Larry 
struck up a friendship with a customer at a gas station, which 
ultimately changed his life. Joe Power, a young attorney at the time, 
encouraged Larry to finish law school. Once he did, Joe recruited Larry 
to work at the law firm he was in at the time and the two eventually 
went on to found a personal law and medical malpractice firm, Power 
Rogers LLP.
  Shortly after starting the law firm, it became evident that Larry was 
destined to be a lawyer. He secured multimillion-dollar verdicts and 
recoveries for his clients, including a record $27 million product 
liability verdict against an infant formula company, which in 1985 was 
the largest personal injury verdict in Illinois history, and a $55 
million verdict for a brain-damaged woman, which is the largest medical 
malpractice verdict that went to judgment in Illinois history. In 
addition to this history-making victories in the courtroom, Larry also 
achieved historic victories for himself. He served as the first African 
American President of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, was the 
President of the Cook County Bar Association, and was awarded the John 
Paul Stevens Award, the Chicago Bar Association's highest and most 
prestigious award.
  While these successes are worthy of mention, Larry's work was more 
than legal accomplishments. He was often a mentor to young lawyers by 
being a trailblazer when there weren't many African American lawyers 
reaching the same heights as Larry so often did. Throughout his entire 
life, Larry understood the importance of helping others and advocating 
to those who needed it most, and that included supporting the young 
people at the start of their careers. Larry often told those who were 
new to the legal profession, ``Work hard. Maintain your integrity and 
be willing to associate with others in your field. Get to meet them and 
learn from them whether the others are African Americans or whites or 
whatever their ethnic background may be.'' As I begin my service in 
Congress, and proudly represent the First District of Illinois, I will 
carry Larry's words with me and commit myself to helping those in need.
  Larry's formidable legal career also had a profound impact on his 
son, Larry Rogers, Jr., who I am grateful to call a friend. I can see 
the generational impact of Larry Sr.'s work Larry Jr. carries the 
mantle of his father's success, along with several other family members 
who have become lawyers. And while Larry Sr. has left this world, his 
spirit will remain as we continue to see the work being done by all of 
those he mentored, including his own children. Larry was a man who 
walked the corridors of power and never forgot those who are far too 
commonly left behind, and his influence will continue to be seen for 
generations to come.
  Larry reached the heights of corporate success while carrying the 
compassion of the community he came from. In addition to his remarkable 
career, Larry Sr. was a champion for civil rights and remained a man 
who kept his heart and commitment with the people who needed it most. I 
also speak on behalf of my father, Rev. Jesse Jackson, who is grateful 
for Larry, Sr.'s friendship and dedication to equality throughout their 
relationship. Larry and my father often worked together, including at 
Rainbow/PUSH, and I know that we are better because of Larry's focus on 
social justice, both professionally and personally. The passing of 
Larry Rogers marks a significant loss for civil rights and a fighter 
for our community. My family will carry Larry's wisdom with us as the 
fight continues.
  Above it all, Larry is remembered as a wonderful father, grandfather, 
and friend to those he left behind, including life partner Pam, his 
children and stepchildren Larry Jr., Dom, Ann Marie, and Frederic, and 
many grandchildren, sisters, brother, nieces, and nephews. Larry made 
life better for all of us and we thank God for blessing us with his 
presence. I hope memories of him serve as a blessing and provide 
comfort to all he knew.

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