The memorial service for Percy E. Sutton, one of the nation’s most prominent civil rights, political and business pioneers, was held Wednesday, Jan. 6, at 11:00 a.m. at the Riverside Church in New York City. Sutton made his transition on Dec. 26, 2009.
Rev. Dr. James A. Forbes Jr., senior emeritus of Riverside Church, officiated and delivered the funeral prayer. Rev. Robert B. Coleman, chief program minister of The Riverside Church, led the service, which included the eulogy delivered by Rev. Al Sharpton. Remembrances were presented by Sutton’s fellow “Gang of Four” members — former New York City Mayor David N. Dinkins, Congressman Charles B. Rangel and former New York State Senator Basil A. Paterson. Tributes were also given by U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, Rev. Jesse Jackson and Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Other dignitaries included Ruby Dee, 25 fellow Tuskegee Airmen, Rev. Herbert Daughtry, Dr. Billy Taylor, Rachel Robinson, New York State Senator Bill Perkins, New York Council Speaker Christine Quinn, New York Comptroller John Lui, New York Public Advocate Bill DeBlasio, New York City Council Member Leroy Comrie, former New York City Council Member Archie Spigner and former Governor Mario Cuomo.
Guests and various family members who participated in the service included: Dr. Roscoe Brown; New York City Council Member Inez Dickens; Hazel Dukes; Bobbi Humphrey; Clarence B. Jones; Melba Moore who sang “Amazing Grace” accompanied by Jazzmobile pianist, Danny Mixon; and Attallah Shabazz, eldest daughter of Malcolm X.
After the service, a motorcade drove through Harlem, pausing at the Apollo Theatre for a moment of silence, a final farewell and remarks by Rev. Al Sharpton.
Sutton’s remains will be cremated, taken to Texas and flown over the family farm in San Antonio by his son, Pepe.
Terrie M. Williams, spokesperson for the Sutton family, released the following statement from Sutton’s relatives:
“We have lost a loving father, husband, grandfather, uncle and brother with the passing of Percy Sutton, but we are truly blessed to have been a part of the life of such a caring, brilliant and passionate man. His accomplishments certainly made a difference in our world, and for all that he achieved, we are proud and thankful. We, and so many others, were shaped by him in one way or another and the gifts he shared with us will never be forgotten. He was a pioneer in law, politics and business–determined and dedicated in his life-long mission to help others, break new barriers, succeed in business, and rejuvenate his community. That same determination and dedication was also directed toward his personal life, which sculpted him into a loving family man. He will forever live in our hearts, and we hope that the world will embrace and be inspired by his life and work.”
Always dapper in his style and dress, eloquent and stately in his speech and mannerisms, groundbreaking in his politics and business, magnanimous in his charity and relations with his constituents, Percy E. Sutton was a Renaissance man who built a legacy that will stand for the ages.
The son of Lillian Viola and Samuel Johnson Sutton, Percy Sutton was born on Nov. 24, 1920, in San Antonio, Texas. Inheriting his father’s passion for civil rights, education and hard work, Sutton studied at Prairie View A&M, as well as Tuskegee in Alabama, and Hampton University in Virginia. World War II brought him to New York where he enlisted with the famed Tuskegee Airmen and served as an intelligence officer. After the war, the twice decorated Sutton entered law school and in a demonstration of extraordinary dedication and commitment — also worked two jobs. After again serving our country in the Korean War, Sutton returned to Harlem in 1953 and established his law firm with his brother, Oliver.
Over the next half century and more, New York, the country, and the world would witness the outstanding accomplishments of one of its most influential leaders. He represented Malcolm X, was elected to the state legislature, served as Manhattan’s Borough president, became the senior member of the aforementioned “Gang of Four,” built a media empire, which included Inner City Broadcasting Corporation; and mentored and inspired countless politicians, business men and women and ordinary folk. Sutton served as a member of the NAACP National Board of Directors from February 1989 to February 1992. He was given the highest honor in the civil rights arena by the NAACP in 1987 when he received the 72nd NAACP Springarn Award, which was presented at the Apollo Theater. He also established the NAACP Lillian & Samuel Sutton Education Scholarship, which is awarded each year to a qualified student currently enrolled in an accredited college in the United States. This scholarship is in memory of his parents and is given annually. He was a life member of the NAACP, and was responsible for raising several hundred thousand dollars for the NAACP as chairman of the Great Black American Artists Dinner Series.
President Obama called Sutton “a true hero to African-Americans in New York City and around the country. We will remember him for his service to the country as a Tuskegee Airman, to New York State as a state assemblyman, to New York City as Manhattan Borough President, and to the community of Harlem in leading the effort to revitalize the world renowned Apollo Theater. His life-long dedication to the fight for civil rights, and his career as an entrepreneur and public servant made the rise of countless young African Americans possible.”
New York’s Governor David Paterson praised Sutton as a mentor, and one who “was fiercely loyal, compassionate and a truly kind soul. He will be missed, but his legacy lives on through the next generation of African-Americans he inspired to pursue and fulfill their own dreams and ambitions.”
Rev. Al Sharpton said, “I was humbled and honored to be asked by the Sutton family to give the eulogy for the services of Percy Ellis Sutton. Mr. Sutton was peerless in the 20th century as the quintessential Afro American leader. He was the King of Harlem and all of us in New York grew up imitating him and being molded by him.”
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that charitable donations be made to the NAACP NYS Conference, and sent to NAACP, 1085 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 300, New York, NY 10018. Flowers of appreciation sent to the church were donated to patients at Harlem Hospital and North General Hospital.
