Abner Mikva's Life & Legacy Illuminated In New Documentary

WDCB’s Gary Zidek talks to filmmaker Bob Hercules about his new documentary MIKVA! DEMOCRACY AS A VERB.

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WDCB's Gary Zidek catches up with filmmaker Bob Hercules to talk about his new documentary MIKVA! DEMOCRACY IS A VERB.

“A thoughtful candidate, somebody who weighs the issues really thoughtfully and deeply is not thought of highly these days. And someone who seeks compromise, for the good of the people, it’s actually seen as a sign of weakness, which is really sad, I think. Politics is compromise.” - Director Bob Hercules commenting that a candidate like Abner Mikva, who sought compromise, likely wouldn’t do well in today’s political landscape.

Filmmaker Bob Hercules

One of Illinois’ most respected public servants is the subject of a new documentary that’s set to premiere this week. The film, titled MIKVA! DEMOCRACY AS A VERB, offers a compelling portrait of the late Abner Mikva. Often remembered for his incredible career of public service and support of civic engagement, Mikva passed away in 2016 at the age of 90. The Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient had the rare distinction of serving at high levels of all three branches of federal government. Mikva was elected to Congress in two separate districts, then was appointed to the U.S. Court of Appeals' bench in Washington DC and later served as White House Counsel to President Bill Clinton. After leaving the nation’s capitol he returned to Chicago and became a mentor to future President Barack Obama.

President Jimmy Carter and Congressman Abner Mikva

Integrity and compromise are key themes explored int he film. Mikva was always open to compromise, but never backed away from his true beliefs, even if it led conflicts with powerful enemies like Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley or the powerful National Rifle Association. Mikva and his wife also left an incredible legacy in the form of the Mikva Challenge, an organization that support civic engagement among our youngest citizens.

MIKVA! DEMOCRACY AS A VERB will be available to stream through the Siskel Film Center’s Film Center From Your Sofa series starting Friday, September 11. The Siskel Center will host a special virtual Q&A session on Wednesday September 16. Go to siskelfilmcenter.org for more information.

And you can learn more about the Mikva Challenge here.