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President Obama, Community Honor Percy Sutton as 'True Hero'
by Nayaba Arinde
Special to the NNPA from the Amsterdam News
NEW YORK (NNPA) - A dapper, debonair don if ever there was one, Percy Sutton was more than a pioneer. He was a beautiful man who embraced his community by providing services and resources for that community. The outpouring has been incredible and thorough for the Tuskegee Airman who became an attorney, entrepreneur, civic leader and civil rights activist. The head of the prominent Sutton family and former Manhattan Borough President died in his sleep aged 89, on Saturday December 26 in New York. His funeral was scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 6, at 11 a.m. at the Riverside Church in Harlem. The Rev. Al Sharpton had confirmed to do the eulogy.
In 1971, Sutton and fellow African-American investors founded 1190 WLIB and 107.5 WBLS, subsidiaries of the Inner City Broadcasting Corporation (ICBC). ICBC’s WLIB is New York’s first Black-owned radio station, and WBLS is New York’s only Black-owned FM radio station.
“Percy Sutton was the essential African-American of the 20th century because he excelled in politics, business, media, civil rights, all at same time,” the reverend Al Sharpton told the AmNews. “I don’t know anyone else who mastered so many different fields and excelled in each one. He opened new doors.”
Sharpton said that when he was 16 years old, it was Sutton “who paid for me to go to the National Black Political Convention, 1972, in Gary, Indiana, because he thought it was important that I be there. He was the one who supported Shirley Chisholm’s presidential run in 1972 and Rev. Jesse Jackson’s presidential runs in 1984 and 1988, and my presidential run in 2003. He led the Black empowerment movement that led to a Barack Obama.
“During the Tawana Brawley/Steven Pagones defamation case, Percy called me, and he said that because I was a struggling activist with two children, he would pay my $65,000. That’s the kind of man he was.
“He started WLIB and formed the model Black radio, which told us about cases like Abner Louima and Howard Beech, and it helped us to mobilize. He made Black radio Black radio. He made it the drum of Black America. He made WBLS the No.-1 commercial radio station in the country. He formed a cable TV station with Time Warner, and in 1981, he bought the Apollo, when the only things sitting in there were the rats. He brought back the center of Black culture.”
James Brown stood outside the famed building in tears, Sharpton recalled, “saying that he owed so much to Percy for bringing him back to the Apollo. Percy Sutton did so much in his 89 years. He came in the time of greatness, and he was the greatest of the greatest.”
“Percy Sutton was a true hero to African Americans in New York City and around the country,” said President Barack Obama. “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. Michelle and I extend our deepest condolences to his family on this sad day.”
“Percy Sutton was more than a dear friend,” U. S. Rep. Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.) told the AmNews. “He was a mentor and inspiration to me and to generations Americans, young and old, in and out of our village of Harlem. Throughout his life, Percy defied stereotypes and limits that others attempted to place on him, thus serving as an example to other Black people. When recruiters in his home state of Texas barred him from volunteering for military service in WWII, he moved to New York and successfully signed up for the famed Tuskegee Airmen.”
Rangel continued, “At a time when few African-Americans went into the law, Sutton opened up his own practice that aggressively defended civil and human rights activists in New York and elsewhere around the country. At a time when African-Americans were virtually ignored by the media, Percy applied his business instincts to found and build Inner City Broadcasting into an important national chain of radio stations. And when the famed Apollo Theater was threatened with permanent closure, he gathered the resources needed not just to rescue it from financial ruin, but to lead a second renaissance that lasts until this very day.
“Percy Sutton’s story is one that could only happen in America. The son of slave, he never stopped fighting for our rights and building community, especially in his beloved Harlem. Public service was always his calling, whether it was in the courtroom, in the political arena as a state assemblyman and a borough president or as a businessman.
“My heart goes out to all those who loved him, particularly his wife, Leatrice; his son, Pierre; and daughter, Cheryl. Percy Sutton wrote his own story, and in doing so, he leaves behind a remarkable legacy of achievement and social justice that will serve as an example and inspiration for generations of leaders, now and forever.”
Governor David Paterson was among the first to issue a statement: “Governor Paterson released the following statement on the passing of Percy Sutton: “Tonight, we say farewell to one of New York’s and this nation’s most influential African-American leaders – a man whom I am proud to have called a friend and mentor throughout my entire career.”
The governor continued, “Percy Sutton was a trailblazer. He began his career as a prominent lawyer for Malcolm X and then took Harlem by storm as a leader of the Harlem Clubhouse where he launched not only his own successful political career but, as a member of the Gang of Four, spawned the successful careers of so many other African-American leaders. It was Percy Sutton who talked me into running for office and who has continued to serve as one of my most valued advisors ever since.
“The youngest of fifteen children, Percy dreamt big and exceeded even the highest of expectations. His success did not end simply with legal triumph or elective office – both of which he attained. Beyond those achievements, it was his entrepreneurial spirit that led to some of his greatest accomplishments – the rebirth of the Apollo Theater, the stewardship of a growing media empire and more.
“Thank you, Percy, for your friendship and for all that you have contributed to our State and our Nation. On behalf of Michelle, the Paterson Family and all New Yorkers, our prayers are with your family.”
New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. said, “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Percy Sutton, who has been a friend and mentor. Mr. Sutton was a trailblazer, a giant in the history of New York’s political, civic and business lives. For more than 50 years, he was a force of advancement and change and a voice for the African-American community and for all New Yorkers. Percy Sutton’s accomplishments, including his tenure as our city’s longest-serving Manhattan borough president, and his mentoring of a generation of New York City and New York State public servants, have served as an inspiration for countless people. As someone who has greatly admired Mr. Sutton and all he has accomplished, I and our city and state are better for knowing him. He leaves behind a legacy of pride, achievement and leadership, which will stand the test of time. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family at this time.”
Viola Plummer, activist and co-founder of the December 12th Movement, was succinct, but pointed, “On a personal level, I’ve respected the things that Percy Sutton accomplished in our service in the NAACP. A pioneer in the Civil Rights Movement, he has most of all our gratitude for his being counsel for El Hajj Malik El Shabazz, Malcolm X.”
“With the passing of the Honorable Percy E. Sutton, I am reminded of two particular pieces of history by which Percy’s leadership impacted my then-young political life,” said Senator Bill Perkins. “Percy stood up in our community in support of Jesse Jackson’s run for the presidency when many political leaders thought our political goals should only be measured by the possible rather than what’s needed. Secondly, Percy had the vision and commitment to re-open the Apollo Theater, the cultural gateway to the Black experience, for Percy well knew, that if the Empire State Building is the symbol of New York City, the Apollo Theater symbolized the cultural well from which Black travelers drank at the cross-roads—Harlem, ‘our Mecca.’ May our brother rest in peace.”
“Deepest condolences to the Sutton family and to all who loved the Hon. Percy Sutton. Percy was my personal mentor and friend, a great lost indeed,” shared Farrah Gray, the bestselling author of “Realionaire” and former co-publisher of Inner City Magazine. “The Hon. Percy Sutton certainly embodied the principle Kujichagulia(self-Determination). His pioneering work in the broadcasting industry paved the way for many of us to have a ''voice''. For example, New York City's top radio stations and Harlem's landmark Apollo Theater.
“The legacy he leaves behind is with his son Pierre Sutton current chairman of ICBC, which is the largest privately, owned Black Radio broadcast company in the world. For my generation may not know him by name, however there would be NO American Idol if it were not for ‘It’s Showtime At The Apollo. He taught me that you never come up short of what you give. He was truly the ‘God-Father of Black Business.’”
U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.) contacted the AmNews to ensure that he extended his condolences, saying; “So many of the rights and privileges that African Americans and disenfranchised people from every culture enjoy, today, stem from the courageous, pioneering work of Percy Sutton. This brilliant man, the son of an emancipated slave, took the gifts that God gave him and put them to use for the least of these in our nation. Sutton was a man of the people who was arrested several times as a Freedom Rider in Mississippi and Alabama in the 1960s. He took his passion for civil rights and equality from the streets of Harlem, to the halls of justice as an attorney, to elected office and, ultimately, to the private sector as an accomplished entrepreneur. If Percy Sutton had a hand in it people knew that excellence and integrity would follow.
“I extend my sincere condolences to his wife, Leatrice, his children and extended family and to the people of New York City. While we have lost the man, his legacy endures.”
“This is a tremendous loss for all New Yorkers, but his legacy will live on in the civic and community life of this City he helped make greater,” said John Liu, City Comptroller-elect.
Senate President Malcolm A. Smith said, “New Yorkers lost a pioneer in the historic realm of Harlem politics Saturday. For decades Percy Sutton was one of the driving forces in the African American community.
He was a political mentor to many, including myself. It's trailblazers like him that made it possible for me to become the first African-American President in the history of the New York State Senate.
Percy understood the importance of economic independence and inspired many of today’s entrepreneurs by forming his own media empire.
“He will be truly missed by everyone.”
Senate Majority Conference Leader John I. Sampson, “[On Saturday], New York lost a giant of a man, and I lost a dear friend and valued mentor. Percy Sutton was a defining figure in the African American community for over half a century. As leader of the Harlem Clubhouse, groundbreaking civil rights attorney, former Manhattan Borough President, and business entrepreneur, Percy forever changed the political, social and economic landscape of New York. Savior to the famed Apollo Theater and member of the celebrated Tuskegee Airmen of World War II, our state and nation owe him a debt of gratitude that can only be truly honored by a commitment to follow in his trailblazing footsteps.
“Percy’s steady influence and fearless leadership touched the lives of countless New Yorkers and paved the way for future generations of elected officials and community activist. He fought to make New York a better place and leaves behind a legacy of success and burning torch for others to carry in his absence.
“Percy Sutton led a life of great distinction and will be sorely missed by friends and strangers alike. I would like to thank him one more time for his kindness, his leadership and his guidance.” Famed author and PR guru Terrie M. Williams noted, ”Percy Sutton was impeccably warm, gracious, classy-- and such a gentleman. I loved his spirit. He will forever live beyond his existence--because he blazed trails and broke barriers as politician, businessman and philanthropist. He understood the importance of recycling the inspiration, because no one's dream should ever be thrown away. We knew that because he could and did, we could.”
Arva Rice, president and CEO of the New York Urban League proclaimed. “[On Saturday], the Harlem community lost a great leader. In the 89 years Percy Sutton was with us he made great impacts to individuals and to organizations such as the New York Urban League. Long before Obama's campaign slogan, Yes We Can, Sutton blazed trails as a politician, entrepreneur and philanthropist. Sutton broke barriers by serving as a New York State Assemblyman and servings as the Manhattan Borough President from 1966 to 1977, at a time when African-American elected officials were few and far between. Sutton showed us all what can be accomplished through hard work and determination. Indeed we all stand on his great shoulders.”
Rice added, “As Borough President, Sutton advocated for and implemented programs specifically target the City's most vulnerable populations.
The New York Urban League had the privilege of operating some of these workforce development programs that allowed numerous Harlem residents to develop job skills and become trailblazers in their own right. The New York Urban League also worked with Sutton's radio stations helping promote the Urban League's signature Whitney M. Young, Jr. Football Classic. WBLS is the pro bono supporter of the event, which has helped leverage scholarships for New York City students totaling more than 20 million dollars. In 1983 the New York Urban League bestowed on Sutton its highest honor - the Frederick Douglass Award. The Frederick Douglass Award, given annually, is given to outstanding New Yorkers whose work has had a life changing difference on the City. Sutton was a dear friend to the Harlem community and the Urban League. He will be sorely missed.”
“The loss of the legendary chairman, Hon. Percy Sutton, brings pain and sadness, but also brings pride and appreciation of his great legacy,’” said Council Member Charles Barron. “Percy Sutton's love and commitment to black liberation and economic emancipation for our community goes unparalleled in history. The youth of this generation should be taught that Percy Sutton was the father of the SEEK program in CUNY that allows for students to attain a higher education; was Malcolm X' lawyer; saved the Apollo Theater; owned the first black radio station in NYC, WLIB, that gave us informative, educational talk shows; laid the political foundation for Hon. David Dinkins to become the first black mayor of New York City; and was the reason many black elected officials ascended to their posts.
“On a personal note, Percy Sutton always told me, ‘Keep your strong revolutionary voice loud. We need it. I will always remember him for his support and wise counsel. So my brother, we will continue your good fight. We will not let you down. Rest in peace my brother, for a job well done.”
Assembly Member Inez Barron told the Amsterdam News, “As I reflect on the Hon. Percy Sutton, I will always recall that he possessed a humble, welcoming manner along with his strong intellectual, resolute capabilities. Tempered with the esteem of the official elected positions that he held, he had a love for the grassroots people and took pleasure in participating in community meetings.
He has left us a great legacy to view as a template as we continue to struggle for justice for our communities.”
Filmmaker and documentarian Edward Harris, “Harlem has lost a general in the battle for justice. A wise, charismatic leader in the both the political and entrepreneurial arena, Percy Sutton set a high standard for all progressive minds in our community. Born in struggle, shaped by his determination to assist black people improve their condition, he calls all of us to do better and raise our sights for ourselves and our community. We can only honor him with our continuation of his work. We will miss him.”
Mayor Michael Bloomberg said that city flags be flown at half-staff, saying, “New York has always been a city of trailblazers, but few have opened more doors for more people than Percy Sutton did. From his service to our nation in WWII, to serving our City in Albany as an Assemblyman and as the longest-serving president of the borough of Manhattan, he not only lived the civil rights movement, he shaped it and played a key role in ensuring its success. As Borough President, Percy opened up the door to many students to attend City University. He was in the forefront of black entrepreneurship, which created ownership of media companies by Blacks, and the first Black-owned radio station in New York City. It’s hard to capture in just a few words how important Percy’s contributions were - and just how unique an individual he was. He helped move African Americans, and all of New York forward. Personally, I consider myself lucky to be among the many to whom he gave advice.”
“Starting tomorrow, flags at all New York City government buildings will be lowered in his honor, and I ask all New Yorkers to keep his widow, Leatrice, his son Pierre, daughter Cheryl Lynn, and the rest of his family in their thoughts and prayers.”
Amsterdam News writer Daa’iya Lomax Sanusi declared, “I knew the Hon. Percy Ellis Sutton (The Chairman) through his legendary work as a tireless friend and attorney for Malcolm X and Louis Lomax. He was also a longtime friend to the Lomax family, including Betty and her son Omar. That his kindness would be extended to Omar’s son and me, is in my view a very fine example of the way Mr. Sutton walked the earth.
Mr. Sutton was ever a champion of his people and a down to earth person who stood beside many of us with energy that bespoke of his deeply held belief. He believed in us and he was there for us. And we are forever in his debt for that.
His insight and lessons were meant to keep us strong and powerful and his example was full of courage and steadfastness. I shall miss him.
In my experience, he gave those gifts to his children including nephews and their cousins, and his grandchildren. They have stood for good and continue to do so.
One can never forget the undying support Mr. Sutton has given to the Shabazz family (Malcolm’s family) despite the risks.
And it will always be held with warmth and admiration--the tender, visionary friendship and guidance given to David Paterson (our Governor), regardless of his disability, a belief in him was held with such strength and love by Mr. Sutton, that it will never be extinguished.
As for Herb Boyd, I know his heart is broken, he loved Mr. Sutton. He has been one of the only friends that understood the depths of my admiration for the gentleman.
My deepest condolences to Mr. Suttons’ family and many friends.”
In the summer of 1997 12-year-old Malcolm Shabazz was charged with setting the fire in the apartment of his grandmother Betty Shabazz, Percy Sutton represented the grandson of the storied Malcolm X.
Percy Sutton gave this reporter a ride back to New York City from the Yonkers Family Court. He engaged in a spirited conversation about how young Malcolm “gets it. He just gets it. He is very bright, very intelligent.” He dispensed uncommon jewels of wisdom about the condition in which we find ourselves. It was a precious hour, and I am very grateful for that one-on-one moment in time.
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