Percy Sutton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Percy Sutton
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| 21st Manhattan Borough President | |
| In office September 13, 1966 – December 31, 1977 |
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| Preceded by | Constance Baker Motley |
| Succeeded by | Andrew Stein |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Percy Ellis Sutton
November 24, 1920 San Antonio, Texas, US |
| Died | December 26, 2009 (aged 89) New York City, US |
| Resting place | Gates of Heaven Memorial Cemetery, San Antonio |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Leatrice O'Farrel Sutton |
| Alma mater | Prairie View A&M University Tuskegee Institute Hampton Institute Columbia Law School Brooklyn Law School (LLB) |
| Occupation | Activist in the Civil Rights Movement, entrepreneur, lawyer |
| Military service | |
| Branch/service | United States Army Air Corps |
| Years of service | 1941-1945 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
Percy Ellis Sutton (born November 24, 1920 – died December 26, 2009) was an important American leader in politics and business. He was a strong supporter of the Civil Rights Movement, which fought for equal rights for all people. Percy Sutton was also a lawyer and even represented Malcolm X, a famous civil rights leader.
He served as the Manhattan borough president from 1966 to 1977. This made him the highest-ranking African-American elected official in New York City at that time. After his political career, he became a successful businessman. He owned parts of the New York Amsterdam News newspaper and the famous Apollo Theater in Harlem.
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Early Life and Family
Percy Sutton was born in San Antonio, Texas. He was the youngest of fifteen children. His parents were Samuel Johnson Sutton and Lillian Sutton.
His father, Samuel, was an early civil rights activist. He was one of the first black teachers and school leaders in Bexar County, Texas. He also owned several businesses, like a mattress factory and a funeral home.
Percy's older brother, G. J. Sutton, became the first black elected official in San Antonio. Another brother, Oliver Sutton, became a judge in New York.
When Percy was twelve, he secretly traveled to New York City. He slept outside in the Harlem neighborhood. His family was very adventurous and determined. They believed strongly in civil rights.
At age thirteen, Percy was handing out flyers for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). He was treated unfairly by a policeman because of his race.
Percy joined the Boy Scouts of America and became an Eagle Scout in 1936. He said that scouting helped shape his life. Percy married Leatrice Sutton in 1943.
Military Service
During World War II, Percy Sutton served in the military. He was an intelligence officer with the Tuskegee Airmen. This was a group of brave African American pilots. They flew with great skill during the war.
He earned awards for his bravery in battles. These battles took place in Italy and other parts of the Mediterranean region.
Becoming a Lawyer
Percy Sutton attended several universities, including Prairie View A&M University and the Tuskegee Institute. He later studied law at Columbia Law School and Brooklyn Law School. He earned his law degree in 1950. Soon after, he became a lawyer in New York.
In the 1950s and 1960s, Percy Sutton became one of America's most famous lawyers. He represented many important people, including Malcolm X. After Malcolm X passed away, Percy and his brother Oliver helped support his family. Percy Sutton was willing to take risks for his clients. He even got arrested while standing up for civil rights.
A Leader in Harlem
Percy Sutton was a long-time leader in Harlem politics. He was part of a group called the "Harlem Clubhouse." This group had a lot of influence in Democratic politics in Harlem.
His allies in this group included New York City Mayor David Dinkins and U.S. Representative Charles Rangel. Another ally was New York Secretary of State Basil Paterson. Basil's son, David Paterson, later became the Governor of New York. Percy Sutton encouraged David Paterson to run for the State Senate.
His Time in Politics
Percy Sutton was a member of the New York State Assembly in 1965 and 1966. On September 13, 1966, he was elected Borough President of Manhattan. He took over after Constance Baker Motley became a federal judge. He served in this role until 1977.
In 1977, he ran for Mayor of New York City. He faced several other candidates, including Bella Abzug and Mario Cuomo. Ed Koch won the election that year.
Business Ventures
In 1971, Percy Sutton helped start the Inner City Broadcasting Corporation. This company bought WLIB-AM, which was New York City's first radio station owned by African Americans.
Percy Sutton also produced It's Showtime at the Apollo. This was a popular music television show that started in 1987. It featured many talented performers.
Awards and Recognition
In 1987, Percy Sutton received the Spingarn Medal. This award is given each year by the NAACP for amazing achievements by an African American. In 1992, he also received a Candace Award from the National Coalition of 100 Black Women.
See also
- Dogfights (TV series)
- Executive Order 9981
- Freeman Field Mutiny
- List of Tuskegee Airmen
- Military history of African Americans
- The Tuskegee Airmen (movie)
- Tuskegee Airmen
- Gang of Four (Harlem)
- David Paterson
- J. Raymond Jones
