I sadly learned of the death today of Otis McDonald. He passed at 79 after a valiant battle against cancer. It was the first long battle he didn’t win.
As a black man in America, he fought his way up from economic disadvantage to earning a good living for his family. He fought against violent crime in his adopted city of Chicago, and in so doing came to his most famous battle as the lead named plaintiff in McDonald, et. al. v. City of Chicago. In the plaintiffs’ landmark victory in that case in 2010, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that neither the Windy City nor any other city could ban law-abiding citizens from owning handguns for defense of self and family. The McDonald decision helped pave the way for the concealed carry permits now being issued throughout Illinois.
You can listen to my interview with Otis McDonald and co-plaintiffs Colleen Lawson, David Lawson, and Adam Orloff. Not long before his death, Colleen and David and I were able to gather some students to create a video postcard of thanks and well-wishes to Otis.
He was a fighter for civil rights and human rights in every respect, and Otis McDonald will never be forgotten.
Godspeed, brother.
Edited 4/8/14 to add: Brother Dave Workman at Second Amendment Foundation, which sponsored Otis’ historic lawsuit, has announced services this coming Friday for Mr. McDonald. Wish I could make it; hope all in the Chicagoland area can. Info — and important commentary — can be found here: http://www.examiner.com/article/services-set-friday-for-gun-rights-hero-as-holder-pushes-more-control
It took a brave man to stand up to the establishment as Otis did. His actions have benefited us all and he will be missed.
Otis McDonald is a model for all gun rights political activists. He made an enormous difference standing against the anti gun political culture of Chicago. RIP
A great loss.
A great loss to the city of Chicago, the state of Illinois, and the country. Our country lost a man who stood up against great odds, not only for what he believed in, but also for what our forefathers intended for all citizens. Most liberals who claim to be the torch bearers for civil rights will probably not mourn the loss of this warrior for civil rights. May we all attempt to follow his courageous example. Many lives will be saved because of his actions.
May this brave man rest in peace. Mr. McDonald was a hero.
I too mourn the loss of Otis. I saw him once at IGOLD (Illinois Gun Owner’s Lobby Day) last year. He gave a short speech, got everyone fired up and received a standing ovation. Truly a great man. I wish that I had known that he was sick. I had just received info last Thursday from the Illinois Rifle Association that he was not doing well. His name will live on in the Supreme Court decision.
Thank you Otis.
He certainly was a man of his sincere convictions who fought so others could benefit. He will not be forgotten.
Mr. McDonald will save more lives in the coming years than all the gun laws that Illinois or any other state could pass. We are in debt to Mr. McDonald. Rest In Peace.
Whie we’re on the subject of a great American, who gave us all such a lift by his example – I am giving you all a lnk to an ad that vividly demonstrates how far the public perception of gun folks and guns in general has fallen.
check this out:
http://www.youtube.com/embed/mNWr9eF2Huk
Roy Rogers was – and is – apple pie America!
See you on the other side, Brother! Rest in Peace.