Hall of Fame 2010

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Rev. Leo Lesser Jr. , Louisville, Ky. (1928-1974). African American. Rev. Lesser was a contemporary and friend of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and his brother, Rev. A.D. King. And like the Kings, Rev. Lesser dedicated his life to fighting for fair housing, equal opportunity in jobs and education. Although he was a man of peace, Rev. Lesser was often met by rocks and jeers as he led demonstrations in Louisville during the 1960s and early 1970s to promote open housing, fair hiring and equality in education. He served as president of the Kentucky Southern Christian Leadership Conference, executive director of the West End Community Council and associate director of the Louisville-Jefferson County Human Relations Commission.