82S11238 JH-D
By: McClendon H.R. No. 223
R E S O L U T I O N
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 X and 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.