Sue Purrington, a longtime activist in Chicago progressive politics, and an aide to Ald. Leslie Hairston, passed away after a brief illness Nov. 28. She was 78.
A native of Athens, Ohio, Purrington was involved with a great deal of Hyde Park-based activism and was also a former executive director of the Chicago chapter of the National Organization for Women. She was also active with the Congress of Racial Equality in Chicago.
During her time at NOW, she was a strong ally in the fight for LGBT rights in Chicago.
Purrington also was also active in the 1992 U.S. Senate run of Carol Moseley Braun, for whom she was ultimately a legislative aide. Hairston told the Hyde Park Herald that Purrington “was the epitome of a Hyde Park resident, she actively engaged in her community and politics. You could call her at a moments notice day or night, and she would be there. Everybody knew Sue. … My heart is empty right now. … She will truly be missed.”
Trudy Ring, who is a former Outlines reporter and is currently copy chief at the Advocate, said, “Sue was a tireless and inspiring activist with a long history in feminism and other progressive causes. I learned a lot from her when I was a volunteer and board member at Chicago NOW in the late ’80s and early ’90s. We need more people like her, especially in today’s political climate.”
Hyde Park Herald’s article is at bit.ly/2hypg0X .