New York CityPercy Sutton, the pioneering civil rights attorney who represented Malcolm X before launching successful careers as a political power broker and media mogul, has died. He was 89.
Marissa Shorenstein, a spokeswoman for Gov. David Paterson, confirmed that Sutton died Saturday. She did not know the cause. His daughter, Cheryl Sutton, declined to comment when reached by phone at her New York City home on Saturday before midnight.
The son of a slave, Percy Sutton became a fixture on 125th Street in Harlem after moving to New York City following his service with the famed Tuskegee Airmen in World War II. His Harlem law office, founded in 1953, represented Malcolm X and the slain activist's family for decades.
The consummate politician, Sutton served in the New York State Assembly before taking over as Manhattan borough president in 1966, becoming the highest-ranking black elected official in the state.
Sutton also mounted unsuccessful campaigns for the U.S. Senate and mayor of New York, and served as political mentor for the Rev. Jesse Jackson's two presidential races.
"The godfather," Jackson once called him.
In a statement released Saturday night, Gov. David Paterson called Sutton a mentor and "one of New York's and this nation's most influential African-American leaders."
"Percy was fiercely loyal, compassionate and a truly kind soul," Paterson continued. "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."
In 1971, with his brother Oliver, Sutton purchased WLIB-AM, making it the first black-owned radio station in New York City. His Inner City Broadcasting Corp. eventually picked up WBLS-FM, which reigned for years as New York's top-rated radio station, before buying stations in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Detroit and San Antonio between 1978-85.
The Texas purchase marked a homecoming for the suave and sophisticated Sutton, born in San Antonio on Nov. 24, 1920, the youngest of 15 children.
Dublin City Centre. We've been to Sutton, Donnybrook and Cork...and other places along the way
ReplyDeleteChris Sutton, manager of Lincoln City has never been sacked as a manager. Fact.
ReplyDeleteSleeping in on a saturday in a city that never sleeps, is progress. Goodnight Las Vegas, Goodnight LA, Goodnight New York, Goodnight Mexico
ReplyDeleteIn 1807 The Clermont made its maiden voyage from New York City to Albany making the vessel the first successful steamboat.
ReplyDeletesnapped in two button? Eek! Are you at work today in the city of york?
ReplyDeleteJust rescheduled my flight to New York City for the spring. Everything should be thawed out by then. I miss NYC! My hometown!
ReplyDeleteonthisday 1932 - Radio City Music Hall, in New York, opened its doors to the public for the first time.
ReplyDeleteNew York City's Dep.of Environmental Protection has reported that approved plans to drill oil upstate would risk poisoning the water supply.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I have these random desires to live in New York City. Not that the desire alone makes me unique.
ReplyDeleteI've got 2 tickets to New York City, come with me, you look so pretty ^^
ReplyDeleteI can't believe I just cruised New York City in 6 inch heels. I'm a trooper.
ReplyDeleteNew York isn't the only city that doesn't sleep it seems...
ReplyDeletehaha me and Brandy were talking about when 2PM was in New York City and Los Angeles.
ReplyDeletenew york on my mind city lights n big dreams is wat im aimin for NYC is gon b home to me soon
ReplyDeleteyou talkin about New York City.... Putin in that work too...Just need some good lovin.... Shauna
ReplyDelete