Abner Mikva
1926–2016 (age 90)
U.S. Representative and federal judge
Biography
Abner Mikva served Illinois in Congress before earning a reputation for his sharp legal mind, championing civil liberties and encouraging a culture of open dialogue in the halls of power.
He later sat on the federal bench and advised presidents, while founding the Mikva Challenge to inspire young people to participate in democracy, ensuring that his influence stretched well beyond Zion Gardens.