Jesse Hill Jr. dies
An Atlanta civil rights icon passed away today after years of service to the community. Reps for Jesse Hill Jr. have confirmed that the former head of Atlanta Life Insurance Co. has died at age 86. Details are skimpy on Hill’s passing but funeral arrangements are pending and will be given to the public.
In 2008 Hill was inducted into the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame for his work in helping with the desegregation of Atlanta schools and chairing the All-Citizens Registration Committee. During his lifetime Hill also advised the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and was a known confidate of Atlanta’s first black Mayor Maynard Jackson. He also founded the Atlanta Inquirer and was the first black president of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce.
Hill’s impact on the city was commemorated with the naming of Jesse Hill Jr. Dr. More photos of Mr. Hill are available below. -danielle canada
