Noted black political leader Henry Kirksey dies

[TacticalPeek]

December 12, 2005

Noted black political leader Kirksey dies

Congressman lauds activist for creating opportunities


By Kelli Esters
[e-mail]

Henry J. Kirksey, whose legal challenges are credited for Mississippi having the most black elected officials in the country, has died.

Kirksey, 90, died Friday of pneumonia at St. Dominic/Jackson Memorial Hospital, his family said.

"All of us who are elected owe that election more so to Henry Kirksey than anyone else," 2nd District U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson said Sunday. "So, if you are a supervisor, a judge, an alderman, or U.S. congressman, it's because Henry Kirksey helped Mississippi do what was in the interest of all its citizens."

Kirksey's service as a plaintiff, expert witness and community organizer has led to the election of almost 600 African-Americans to public office in Mississippi, according to his family.

more
http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051212/NEWS/512120351/1002/news



RIP, Mr. Kirksey. You plowed a straight furrow to the end of the row.

[TacticalPeek]

1. "I don't let my personal security stand in my way of addressing the issues

An outspoken and fiery Tupelo native, Kirksey was one of the first blacks elected to the state senate after Reconstruction. He was pivotal in a switch from the city of Jackson's commission form of government to the present mayor-council form of government. He also sued seeking to make public the records of the now-defunct Sovereignty Commission, a state agency that once endorsed segregation.

"I don't let my personal security stand in my way of addressing the issues I think should be addressed."


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