Percy Sutton, civil rights activist, attorney and NY political figure dies at 89 (UPDATED)

 

AP FILE PHOTO

He was the son of a slave, a mentor to Rev. Jesse Jackson, lawyer for Malcolm X and prominent figure in New York politics and a fixture in the Harlem community, Percy E. Sutton died late last night at the age of 89, his longtime friend Governor David A. Paterson said late last night.

After serving in World War II and Korea as one of the Tuskegee Airmen, Sutton, the youngest of 15 children opened a law office on 125th Street in Harlem, where he'd spend decades representing Malcolm X and later the slain leader's family, as well as taking on many prominent civil rights cases.

Sutton would go on to serve a long career in politics, representing the neighborhood as a member of the New York State Assembly.  In 1966 Sutton was appointed to fill a vacancy in the office of Manhattan Borough President, making him the highest-ranking black politician in the state.  He later mounted unsuccessful campaigns for the United States Senate and New York City Mayor, and served as political mentor for Rev. Jesse Jackson's two presidential races. 

Jackson referred to Sutton as "The Godfather."

David N. Dinkins, the city's first black mayor said, "I stand on the shoulders of Percy Sutton."

Paterson referred to Sutton as “A trailblazer, one of New York’s and this nation’s most influential African-American leaders – a man whom I am proud to have called a friend and mentor throughout my entire career.

"It was Percy Sutton who talked me into running for office and who has continued to serve as one of my most valued advisors ever since," said Paterson.  “Percy was fiercely loyal, compassionate and a truly kind soul. He will be missed, but his legacy lives on through the next generations of African-Americans he inspired to pursue and fulfill their own dreams and ambitions."

Sutton would go on to serve as a media mogul, building largest network of black radio stations in the country.  At one point Sutton owned a majority holding of The Amsterdam News, the country's second largest African-American weekly newspaper.

"He was a great man," Charles Warfield Jr., the president and chief operating officer of ICBC Broadcast Holdings Inc., told the Associated Press early this morning. He declined to comment further out of respect, he indicated, for the wishes of Sutton's family.

Sutton is also credited with the rebirth of the historic Apollo Theater.  In 1981 he spent $250,000 to purchase the then shuttered Apollo Theater. The Apollo turned 70 in 2004, a milestone that was unthinkable until Sutton stepped in to save the landmark.

Rev. Al Sharpton has scheduled a press conference for this afternoon to remember the life of Sutton, who is survived by his wife, Leatrice, son Pierre and daughter Cheryl Lynn.

The cause of death has not been disclosed.

UPDATED (2:30 p.m. EST)

President Barack Obama took time out of his vacation in Hawaii to make the following statement:

Percy Sutton was a true hero to African Americans in New York City and around the country. We will remember him for his service to the country as a Tuskegee Airman, to New York State as a state assemblyman, to New York City as Manhattan Borough President, and to the community of Harlem in leading the effort to revitalize the world renowned Apollo Theater. His life-long dedication to the fight for civil rights and his career as an entrepreneur and public servant made the rise of countless young African Americans possible. Michelle and I extend our deepest condolences to his family on this sad day.

 

UPDATED (2:45 p.m. EST)

New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg issued the following statement: 

New York has always been a city of trailblazers, but few have opened more doors for more people than Percy Sutton did. From his service to our nation in WWII, to serving our City in Albany as an Assemblyman and as the first African American and longest-serving president of the borough of Manhattan, he not only lived the civil rights movement, he shaped it and played a key role in ensuring its success. As Borough President, Percy opened up the door to many students to attend City University. He was in the forefront of black entrepreneurship, which created ownership of media companies by blacks, and the first black-owned radio station in New York City. It’s hard to capture in just a few words how important Percy’s contributions were - and just how unique an individual he was. He helped move African Americans, and all of New York forward. Personally, I consider myself lucky to be among the many to whom he gave advice.

Starting tomorrow, flags at all New York City government buildings will be lowered in his honor, and I ask all New Yorkers to keep his widow, Leatrice, his son Pierre, daughter Cheryl Lynn, and the rest of his family in their thoughts and prayers.