Robert Clark, Mississippi’s First-Ever Legislator Post Civil Rights, Dead At 96

Robert G. Clark, Mississippi’s first Black Home consultant elected after the Civil Rights Motion, died on March 4 on the age of 96, The Related Press reported.

His son, Rep. Bryant Clark, mentioned he handed away peacefully of pure causes.

Elected in 1967, Clark confronted intense racism and social turmoil as he took his seat within the Mississippi Legislature. A former educator, he earned a grasp’s diploma in schooling. After attending school in Michigan, he returned house, assessed the wants of Mississippi residents, and resolved to take motion.

Over his profession, Clark was named speaker professional tempore of the Mississippi Home in 1992 and served a decade on the Home Training Committee.

In an interview with Mississippi Public Broadcasting, Clark mirrored on his mission to enhance the lives of all Mississippians, no matter political ideology.

“Reasonably than going to the legislature working towards any person, go to the legislature working for Mississippi,” he mentioned. “I spent 36 years within the legislature, and my essential curiosity was searching for Mississippi. Regardless of the weak spot of Mississippi was, I checked out it and tried to strengthen it. I didn’t have a look at whether or not they have been unbiased, Democrat, or Republican—I simply appeared on the want.”

Clark first ran for workplace as an unbiased, unaffiliated with any political get together. He recalled being dismissed and ignored by fellow lawmakers.

“They wouldn’t sit with me,” he mentioned.

On the day of his passing, legislators honored Clark with a second of silence in the identical halls the place he as soon as endured isolation as a Black man in authorities. Clark’s presence within the Mississippi Legislature was historic as a direct descendant of enslaved individuals.

“He was a trailblazer and an icon for positive,” Home Speaker Jason White mentioned. “He was at all times mighty good to me after I was elected to workplace.”

Former colleague and present Vicksburg Mayor George Flaggs additionally spoke extremely of Clark’s legacy.

“My prayers exit to Robert Clark and his household,” Flaggs mentioned. “The honorable Robert Clark has damaged so many limitations. I at all times will keep in mind him as a gentleman who persevered. I realized a lot from him. He was an enormous of a person.”

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