TITLE: In memory of civil rights pioneer and political leader Percy Ellis Sutton.

SUMMARY: In memory of civil rights pioneer and political leader Percy Ellis Sutton.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The nation lost a trailblazing leader with the death of San Antonio native Percy Ellis Sutton, whose remarkable life drew to a close on December 26, 2009, at the age of 89; and WHEREAS, The son of a former slave, Mr. Sutton became one of New York City's most influential figures, distinguishing himself in the military, the law, business, and public service; he mentored and inspired several generations of African American activists and politicians, including former New York mayor David Dinkins, who once stated, "I stand on the shoulders of Percy Ellis Sutton"; and WHEREAS, Born on November 24, 1920, Mr. Sutton was the youngest child of educators Lillian Viola Sutton and Samuel J. Sutton, Sr.; as a boy, he worked hard on the family's farm in Prairie View and joined his father in the fight for civil rights, passing out leaflets for the NAACP in the 1930s, despite the risk to his personal safety; he attended Tuskegee University, Hampton University, and Prairie View A&M University before interrupting his education to enlist in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II; his service as an intelligence officer with the famed Tuskegee Airmen brought him two combat stars, and he went on to serve his country again during the Korean War, attaining the rank of captain; and WHEREAS, The GI Bill enabled Mr. Sutton to enroll in Columbia Law School, and he went on to earn his degree at Brooklyn Law School while holding down two full-time jobs, as a subway conductor and a postal employee; teaming with his brother Oliver, he opened a law practice in Harlem in 1953 and counted Malcolm Xand boxing legend Sugar Ray Robinson among his first clients; as the civil rights movement gained momentum, he represented hundreds of protesters in the South and was himself arrested as a Freedom Rider; later, he assumed leadership of the New York City branch of the NAACP; and WHEREAS, During the 1950s, Mr. Sutton began devoting his enormous energy and talent to the Democratic Party and participated in numerous campaigns; he won election to the New York State Assembly in 1964 and then served as president of the Borough of Manhattan for 11 years, beginning in 1966; after leaving office, he continued to share his political acumen with others while building a media empire that helped give greater voice to the African American community; and WHEREAS, Inner City Broadcasting, a group of investors led by Mr. Sutton and his brother Oliver, bought the New York Amsterdam News,the city's largest African American newspaper, and an AM radio station, WLIB, which became the first African American-owned radio station in the metropolis; in 1974, the company bought an FM station, WBLS, which became the flagship for the urban music format; ICB eventually expanded into other markets across the country and acquired two cable television franchises; and WHEREAS, A true visionary, Mr. Sutton guided the purchase and renovation of the Apollo Theater, and the restoration of this historic landmark sparked the revitalization of 125th Street and other parts of Harlem; he took his place on the world stage as well, accepting an invitation from President Bill Clinton to meet with international business leaders during the 1995-1996 Group of Seven Nations conference; and WHEREAS, Mr. Sutton served on the national board of the NAACP from 1989 to 1992 and raised funds as chair of the Great Black American Artists Dinner Series; moreover, he established the annual NAACP Lillian & Samuel Sutton Education Scholarship in honor of his parents, and the organization accorded him its highest honor, the Springarn Medal; in all his endeavors, he enjoyed the love and support of his wife, Leatrice, and his children, Cheryl L. Sutton and Pierre "Pepe" Sutton; and WHEREAS, Few individuals can claim achievements as far-reaching as those of Percy Sutton; "Mr. Chairman," as he was known, was admired for his dapper style and gracious personality, as well as for his brilliance, eloquence, and drive, and his profound commitment to social progress will continue to inspire others for many years to come; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby pay special tribute to the life and legacy of Percy Ellis Sutton. McClendon Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 223 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on June 28, 2011. Chief Clerk of the House