Our friends at the Illinois Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty celebrated the end of the death penalty last night - and took a moment to honor ACLU Legislative Director Mary Dixon's work in making it happen. The plaque reads:

On July 1, 2011, Illinois will become the 16th state to repeal the death penalty as a result of the tireless advocacy of MARY DIXON to whom this award is presented with the sincere appreciation from the Board of Directors, Staff and Membership of the Illinois Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty. April 20, 2011.

Congratulations Mary, on an award well-earned!