Thirman L. Milner facts for kids

Thirman L. Milner (October 29, 1933 – November 29, 2024) was an American politician from Hartford, Connecticut. He was a member of the Democratic Party. He served as the 62nd Mayor of Hartford from 1981 to 1987. He was also the first Black mayor elected by the people in New England.

Early Life and Education

Thirman Milner was born in Hartford, Connecticut, in an area called the North End. He was the sixth of seven children in his family. His father passed away when Thirman was young. He spent most of his childhood in Hartford's South End, but also lived in Asylum Hill for a while.

His mother, Grace Milner, worked hard to support her family. During part of his childhood, he lived in Glastonbury, Connecticut with a relative who ran a summer camp. While there, Thirman joined the Future Farmers of America. He also worked as a camp counselor and went to Glastonbury High School. He left high school during his junior year.

In the early 1950s, he joined the United States Air Force. While serving, he earned his high school diploma. Later, Milner attended New York University. He first wanted to study pharmacy. However, a speech by Martin Luther King Jr. inspired him to work in public service instead.

Milner had many different jobs before becoming a politician. He worked as a hospital orderly and a clerk at a drug store. He was also an insurance salesman, an anti-poverty worker, and a civil rights activist.

Becoming a Leader

In 1976, Thirman Milner ran for Connecticut state representative. He ran against Cylde Billington Jr. in the primary election but lost by only five votes. In 1978, he ran against Billington again and won the election.

In the same year, 1978, he also helped with the mayoral campaign of George A. Athanson.

His Time as Mayor

In 1981, Thirman Milner decided to run for mayor of Hartford. He challenged the current mayor, George A. Athanson, in the Democratic primary election. Athanson won the first primary by a small number of votes. However, Milner argued that there were problems with the election. A court agreed, and the primary election was held again. Milner won the second primary.

After winning the primary, Milner was elected mayor in a three-way race. He ran against Robert F. Ludgin, who was an Independent, and Michael T. McGarry, who was a Republican. When he won, Thirman Milner became the first Black mayor in New England to be elected by the people. He was re-elected as mayor two more times, in 1983 and 1985.

After Being Mayor

After serving three terms as mayor of Hartford, Milner was elected to the Connecticut House of Representatives. He represented the seventh district for one term. Later, he served in the Connecticut Senate starting in 1992. He decided not to run for re-election in 1994 due to health reasons.

His Legacy

A middle school in Hartford is named after him. It is called the Thirman L. Milner Middle Grades Academy. It used to be known as the Thirman L. Milner School.

Works

• Up from Slavery: A History from Slavery to City Hall in New England