Sen. Carol Moseley-Braun’s memories (Voice, Aug. 26) of the late Cecil Partee truly struck a chord in me.
In 1990, when I was a junior in high school, I was a victim of a violent hate crime. After this traumatic experience, Mr. Partee, who was then the Cook County state’s attorney, and I began a correspondence. He was interested in my perspectives as a victim of a hate crime and he named me to the newly created Hate Crime Prosecutions Council.
Through this council, I was given the chance to talk to community leaders and politicians about my experience, with the goal of more effectively prosecuting hate-crime offenders. Because of Mr. Partee, I was able to bring out positive results from a negative experience. This is just one example of Mr. Partee adding a personal touch to a governmental agency.
He should serve as an example to all involved in government. I, along with a great many others, will sorely miss this strong yet personable leader.
