Thirman Milner, who served as the 62nd Mayor of Hartford, Connecticut, and was the city’s first Black mayor, passed away on Friday, according to the Connecticut NAACP. He was 91.
Milner was born in Hartford on Oct. 29, 1933, the fifth of six children.
He studied Pharmacy at NewYork University but was influenced by his friend Jesse Jackson to leave school and come to Hartford to work on civil rights (TheMiddletownPress).
Milner, a Democrat, served as mayor from 1974 to 1981. He also held roles as a Connecticut state representative and senator, and was a former president and lifetime member of the Greater Hartford NAACP, according to the organization.
Milner remained active in politics, working to bring jobs and job training programs to Hartford.
Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont said in a statement:
“Thirman Milner will forever have a place in American history as a civil rights icon. His upbringing here in Connecticut led him to a career in activism, marching with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the sixties and using his passion for social justice as inspiration that led him to a career in politics. As a mayor, state representative, and state senator, he used his influence to enact positive change in Hartford, particularly focusing many of his efforts on the need to ensure that all children – no matter their family’s income level or the neighborhood where they grew up – have access to a quality education that prepares them for success. His passing is a true loss, and I encourage the residents of Connecticut to reflect on the many contributions Thirman Milner has provided our state. I extend my deepest condolences to his family and friends” (CT.GOV).
The NAACP stated that it will share information about Milner’s funeral arrangements once they are provided by his family.