The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights

Bill's work is legendary. It stands for itself. All the more amazing how welcoming Bill was to a newcomer on the civil rights block, Disability Rights Education Defense Fund and me, as the lawyer working in D.C.. I was star struck when I met Bill and 30 years ago, I was still intimidated to meet my heros. But Bill, immediately put me at ease with his great smile, warm presence and true interest in our work. Throughout the years, I always felt happy to see and talk to Bill. i had recently been thinking about Bill alot and wanted to talk to him about being an old timer in the civil rights movement. I wanted his advise. I kept thinking, but didn't call. How I wish I had. Bill will never know how important he was to me. He was grace and brilliance and acceptance. He paved the way. -- by Arlene Mayerson on December 1, 2010