Percy Sutton

Percy Sutton in 1968

A major figure in New York City politics, Percy Sutton died December 26, 2009 at the age of 89. He will be buried today.
He was the longest serving Manhattan Borough president from 1966 to 1977. He was a major figure in Black politics , publishing, and broadcasting. He was mentor to many political leaders in the city.
He did a lot of good beyond the Black community. He was instrumental in the founding of NARAL, the abortion rights organization, in 1969. He played a major role in helping Soviet Jews to emigrate to Israel and the United States.
He was a native of San Antonio. His father was born in slavery and was one of the first African Americans to settle in Bexar County. He was the principal of a segregated school in San Antonio. Percy was the last of 15 children, all of whom went to college and had distinguished careers.

This transplant to New York from Texas salutes him on his passing.