Rep. Bowen Statement on Passing of Civil Rights Attorney Jonathan Safran

MILWAUKEE – Reflecting on the passing of Milwaukee Civil Rights attorney Jonathan Safran earlier this week, State Rep. David Bowen (D-Milwaukee) released the following statement:

“Jon Safran was a giant fighter for justice in Milwaukee. Through his actions over the years, he showed a deep and burning desire to do what was right, to provide counsel and guidance to those who needed it, and to act as an ally to disenfranchised and underserved communities throughout Milwaukee. Attorney Safran was a man who regularly fought against deep-seated disparities in our justice system, taking them head-on, and won.”

Jonathan Safran, a partner at the Milwaukee law firm Samster, Konkel & Safran at the time of his death, served the community for over 35 years as a personal injury and civil rights attorney. He became especially well-known in Milwaukee after taking on the case of Frank Jude, a biracial man who had been brutally beaten by off-duty Milwaukee police officers outside of a party in 2004. Despite a legal saga that lasted seven years, Safran was able to secure a settlement between the City of Milwaukee and Jude, and the case additionally led to numerous reforms within the Milwaukee Police Department. Following that case, Safran also went on to represent the families of Derek Williams and Dontre Hamilton, both Black men who had died as a result of the actions of Milwaukee police.

“Frank Jude, Derek Williams, Dontre Hamilton – in these cases and so many others, Attorney Safran was on the frontlines fighting for families and helping the community heal from traumatic wrongs perpetrated against them. His voice, his contributions, and his commitment to justice will be greatly missed in Milwaukee and Wisconsin and it led to us being a better place for all citizens.”

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.

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