Former Hartford mayor Thirman Milner, recognized for turning into the primary Black mayor in all of New England, has died on the age of 91, officers confirmed to NBC Connecticut.
Milner turned the primary African-American elected mayor in New England in 1981, serving town of Hartford till 1987. He additionally served as a state consultant and a state senator.
The Connecticut Nationwide Affiliation for the Development of Coloured Folks (NAACP) mentioned Milner can be remembered as a civil rights icon, neighborhood activist and devoted public servant.
The NAACP mentioned Milner broke boundaries and paved the way in which for future leaders within the metropolis and area, which had lengthy been outlined by racial and social injustices.
Cecil Williams/Claflin College through Getty Photographs
A reporter interviews Thirman L. Milner at an occasion. Thirman L. Milner is an American politician from Hartford, Connecticut and served because the 62nd and first Black Mayor of Hartford, Connecticut.
Milner served as president of the Higher Hartford NAACP and was a lifelong member.
“The Connecticut State Conference of the NAACP extends its heartfelt condolences to Mayor Milner’s family, friends and former constituents during this difficult time. His contributions to Hartford and the broader New England community have left an indelible mark, and he will be deeply missed,” President of the Connecticut State Convention NAACP Scot Esdaile mentioned in an announcement.
Virginia Monteiro, who’s Milner’s step daughter and part of the NAACP, mentioned her “Pops” represented a struggle that continues to make sure kids are educated, and freedom.
“It’s very important for us to continue the legacy that he set for all of us,” Monteiro mentioned. “He was very much devoted to ensuring that there was equity and justice for everyone.”
“He is a wonderful man for the people, never taking personal gain or being compromised in office as mayor and senator,” Carl Milner, Thirman’s nephew, mentioned on Fb.
There is a center college in Hartford named after him – known as Thirman L. Milner Center Faculty.
The NAACP mentioned they may present details about funeral preparations for Milner as quickly because it’s made obtainable by his household.
“He was a true servant of the people, and his impact will resonate for generations to come,” Esdaile mentioned.
Neighborhood response
Present Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam offered the next assertion:
“Today, we mourn the passing of former Mayor Thirman Milner, a trailblazer whose legacy as New England’s first popularly elected Black mayor continues to inspire us. His commitment to public service and civil rights transformed Hartford and paved the way for future leaders. Thirman embodied resilience and dedication, championing the needs of our community during challenging times. As we reflect on his contributions, let us honor his memory by continuing our work towards building a Hartford that works for all. Our thoughts are with his family and all who were touched by his remarkable life.”
Gov. Ned Lamont mentioned Milner will at all times be remembered as a civil rights icon.
“His upbringing right here in Connecticut led him to a profession in activism, marching with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. within the sixties and utilizing his ardour for social justice as inspiration that led him to a profession in politics. As a mayor, state consultant, and state senator, he used his affect to enact optimistic change in Hartford, significantly focusing lots of his efforts on the necessity to make sure that all kids – irrespective of their household’s revenue stage or the neighborhood the place they grew up – have entry to a top quality training that prepares them for fulfillment. His passing is a real loss, and I encourage the residents of Connecticut to replicate on the numerous contributions Thirman Milner has offered our state. I lengthen my deepest condolences to his household and mates.”
Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz issued the next assertion:
“Connecticut mourns the loss of a trailblazing civil rights activist and community leader who became the first Black mayor of Hartford and in New England. Thirman led our capitol city with civility, integrity, and grace, leaving a legacy that is memorialized with a school, Thirman L. Milner Middle School, named in his honor. His decades of activism and advocacy paved the way for other leaders of color, and I know that his life will continue to inspire generations to come. We are sending our sympathy and prayers to his loved ones.”
Former Hartford mayor Luke Bronin mentioned Milner lived a lifetime of extraordinary service.
“Last year, the community came together to celebrate Mayor Milner’s life and legacy on his 90th birthday, and the outpouring of love, admiration and affected was such a beautiful testimony. Not just to the fact that he made history, but to the fact that he made a huge difference in so many lives and in the community that he loved, and that loved him back.”
Sen. Richard Blumenthal mentioned Milner was a caring and brave chief.
Thirman Milner gave caring, brave management as Mayor of Hartford, civil rights champion, & legislator. His deeply significant impression on numerous CT lives can be a permanent legacy. https://t.co/TxvD3qBPCp
— Richard Blumenthal (@SenBlumenthal) November 29, 2024
Eddie Perez, a former Hartford mayor, mentioned Milner was “a soldier in the fight for equality for all human beings.”
“To lose an icon like Mayor Milner, most people read about history, I grew up and it was down the block. Thirman was creating history for the city of Hartford,” Perez mentioned.
“He always had a twinkle in his eye,” mentioned Mike McGarry, a republican who ran in opposition to him in 1981. “I ran against him and I knew I couldn’t win. We became good friends. Great guy, sad to see him go.”
