Al Nathan

Al "Mr. Skokie" Nathan, discusses his move to Skokie in 1980 and his path to becoming the community's biggest advocate

In this SkokieStory video from August 10, 2011, Al "Mr. Skokie" Nathan, long-time producer of Cable Television's  Skokie People Speak, discusses his move to Skokie in 1980 and his path to becoming the community's biggest advocate. He is interviewed by longtime friend and colleague, James Coney, who worked with him on Skokie People Speak. Nathan talks about meeting his late wife Renae Byron-Nathan; his membership in Toastmasters; the establishment Skokie's Caucus Party; his time working with the Human Relations Commission; Skokie Public Library director Carolyn Anthony and the establishment of the Festival of Cultures; and Skokie Mayor George Van Dusen, among others. Nathan is the first resident honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award in Skokie, which he received in 2010. Skokie People Speak first went on air in 1995 and ran for 15 years until its 251st episode in 2008.

In this recording, Nathan credits Skokie Public Library librarian, Frances Roehm for coining the moniker "Mr. Skokie."