California Bar Journal
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE STATE BAR OF CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 1999
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ELECTION 1999

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Longtime human rights activist named to board
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Joe Hicks, a longtime leader in the human rights and civil liberties arena, was appointed to the State Bar Board of Governors last month by Assembly Speaker Antonio Villaraigosa. Hicks has been executive director of the Los Angeles City Human Relations Commission since 1997. Prior to that, he was the executive director for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Greater Los Angeles.

He also served as communications director for the ACLU and as publications and media director for the Service Employees International Union, local 660.

Joe HicksIn 1993, Hicks testified before the Colorado Supreme Court as an expert witness against Amendment 2, a ballot measure that portrayed gay and lesbian civil rights as "special rights." He currently is writing a book about race relations.

Hicks said he's familiarizing himself with the State Bar, but it is too early to say what issues he might focus on.

"Joe Hicks is a man of extraordinary integrity," Villaraigosa said. "His many years of exemplary work as a community leader and civil liberties activist will be a great asset to the State Bar. It is critical to the work of the bar that the board include individuals like Mr. Hicks who can transcend political lines and focus on bringing people together."

There are six public member positions on the board. Only two seats are currently filled - businessman John Morris and psychologist Dorothy Tucker, both of Los Angeles. Morris' term expires in October; Tucker's expired last October, but she can continue to serve until replaced.

Gov. Gray Davis has four appointments to make.