Larry Cohen's Path to Social Justice

Larry Cohen's Path to Social Justice. . ,

Follow Cohen's Path, Circular medallions create a path through the plaza that share Judge Cohen's ethics., Ethics guided Judge Cohen's lifelong goal of making our community more inclusive, welcoming, and just., Discover seventeen ethics medallions, (one for each St. Paul district Mayor Cohen created). Consider your own ethics., Can you follow in Judge Cohen's Path?

, Life Story, Larry Cohen was a lifelong resident of St. Paul, graduating from Central High School and the University of Minnesota Law School. He was the first in his family to go to college., Cohen's Jewish grandparents immigrated to the USA from Russia. Cohen understood the importance of welcoming immigrants who seek a new, safe place to live., Larry Cohen's interest in politics began as a teen. He lost a race for state representative in his twenties by just 70 votes., Cohen was an environmental activist, and co-founded MECCA at age 35. MECCA was a militant anti-pollution group that protested Reserve Mining's dumping of taconite tailings into Lake Superior. The group's legal action led to national concern about asbestos pollution, and a federal law to protect against asbestos waste., MECCA also fought against nuclear power plants, airport pollution, and exploitation of the BWCA's ore and timber., As a MECCA leader, Cohen learned to network, listen deeply, engage the public, and share his humor., Larry Cohen combined the use of legal action, fundraising, networking, and political policy to effect change., Larry Cohen wanted to improve life for all people and our planet., Judge Cohen served the public his entire life., , Social Justice Today, How Can I Advance Social Justice?,

Can I learn leadership skills from Judge Cohen? YES!

, Use Humor: Cohen's humor helped others relax and engage. Humor made him approachable. Cohen's irreverent wit startled people, and they paid attention. Humor disarms your opponent, and they listen better., Listen Deeply: Cohen was curious about people, asking deep and meaningful questions. Cohen's listening skills showed genuine interest and delight. Listen well to build trust and deep respect., Speak with Skill: Cohen's passion dramatized his speeches. Cohen's speaking skills convinced others, commanded the audience, and built respect. Improve your speaking skills to better influence others., Search for Solutions: It is easier to find problems than to find solutions. Cohen searched for ways to improve systems, and bravely tried new ideas. Study ideas others have tried, and improve them., Network: Cohen saw networking as a tool to accomplish hard tasks, tapping lawmakers, funders, and politicians to create change. Network to increase your power and influence., Mentor talent: Cohen mentored talented young people. He urged them to take chances, learn, and stretch their dreams, and he kept inspiring them. Share your wisdom and talent, and launch new leaders., , Memorial Design and Thank You Donors, Cohen Memorial on Civic Plaza, The City of St. Paul and Ramsey County, the most diverse city and county in Minnesota, devote this plaza to our vibrant community. The memorial honors Larry Cohen for his inclusive leadership that transformed social justice and welcomed all voices., Memorial Theme: , "Circles of Light and Doves", Circles: represent equity and inclusion as our civic goal. Circles pay tribute to the "Circle of Peace" justice system that Judge Cohen implemented., Light: is celebrated as a promise for a brighter future, and enlightenment of unconscious bias., Doves: represent steadfast partnerships to build a peaceful future. Dove Chairs celebrate cultural vitality, as imagined by four emerging artists, in honor of Judge Cohen's interest in mentoring new talent., Thank You Donors!, Otto Bremer Trust, Ramsey County, City of Saint Paul Cultural STAR, The Cohen Family, Dr. Benjamin Y.H. Liu, Saint Paul and Minnesota Foundation and F.R. Bigelow Foundation, Hmong 18 Council leadership, and generous support from many individuals., More information: , Learn more about Judge Cohen, the public process used to design this memorial, the artists involved, and all the donors who made it all possible at www.ramseycounty.us/CohenMemorial