Alan Mills, now 68 years old, came to Chicago to study law at Northwestern University and found himself deeply involved with the Uptown People’s Law Center (UPLC). After serving for over 20 years as UPLC’s legal director, he has spent a decade as the organization’s executive director. However, Mills has decided that this year, it is time for him to step down from his role as the executive director.
Mills’ journey into law and activism began with his mother’s involvement in the civil rights movement in Baltimore, where he grew up. Witnessing a trial led by a lawyer defending a protestor during the Vietnam War inspired him to pursue a career in law. His interest in civil rights led him to Chicago, where he and his wife settled in the Uptown neighborhood by chance. His wife’s involvement in local politics introduced Mills to the UPLC, where he started volunteering and eventually became a vital part of the organization for the past 45 years.
UPLC was initially established as a survival program inspired by the Black Panther Party, offering legal support to community members in need. Over the years, UPLC has evolved into a crucial resource for legal aid, especially for prisoners and individuals facing social injustices. Mills and his team have been dedicated to fighting for the rights of prisoners, particularly in cases related to solitary confinement and access to courts.
One of UPLC’s significant achievements was the successful campaign to close the supermax prison, Tamms Correctional Center, in southern Illinois. Through a combination of legal action and community organizing, the prison’s closure marked a significant victory in the fight against institutionalized injustice.
As Mills prepares to step down as executive director, he reflects on the past ten years in the role. Despite the challenges and responsibilities that came with the position, Mills acknowledges the collective effort of the board, staff, and clients in shaping the organization’s success. He plans to transition back to a part-time staff attorney role to focus on litigation against the prison system, a cause close to his heart.
Mills’ dedication to justice and his unwavering commitment to advocating for the marginalized and oppressed have left a lasting impact on the Uptown community and beyond. As he passes the torch to the next generation of advocates, Mills leaves behind a legacy of resilience, compassion, and relentless pursuit of justice.
