Morris Dees speaks at Legal Aid’s ‘Justice for All’ luncheon

Morris Dees, the famous civil rights attorney who co-founded the Southern Poverty Law Center, inspired a crowd when he addressed members and supporters of Legal Aid of Western Missouri yesterday at its annual luncheon.

Former Mayor Co-Temp Alvin Brooks introduced Dees to the luncheon’s attendees. Spotted in attendance: City Councilman John Sharp, Councilwoman Jan Marcason, Kansas City Star editorial page editor Miriam Pepper and civil rights activist Alvin Sykes.

In his Alabama drawl, Dees spoke about the pressure put on lawyers who represent the poorest citizens in tough economic times. He placed special emphasis on the importance of working on behalf of immigrants newly arrived to the United States.