Local, state leaders react to news of Lumumba’s death
JACKSON, Miss. –
Local and state leaders were reacting Tuesday to news of Jackson Mayor Chokwe Lumumba’s death.
Former Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr., gave the following statement to 16 WAPT News.
“I’m saddened to hear of the passing of Mayor Lumumba. My family’s hearts goes out to his family. We certainly will remember them in our prayers. I’m sure the entire city joins me in supporting the family and friends of Mayor Lumumba during their time of bereavement.”
Rickey Cole, chairman of the Mississippi Democratic Party issued the statement below.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of the promising new Mayor of our Capital City, the Honorable Chokwe Lumumba. His young administration has been a great beacon of hope for so many of us. He was just beginning to make a effective start tackling the long-neglected challenges faced by our Capital City. I ask all Mississippians to reflect upon the magnitude of this tragic loss.
Our thoughts and our prayers go out to the Mayor’s family, friends, and the countless people who believed in him. We call upon everyone to stay strong and keep the flames of hope and promise burning high as we work through this tragedy together.
Chokwe Lumumba was a man among men. He was a true Servant Leader in the finest sense of the phrase. He was a man by the people, of the people and for the people. Let us move forward with a resolve worthy of the memory of this Champion of the People.”
Jacqueline Amos, Chair of the Hinds County Democratic Party, issued the following statement:
“Words cannot do justice to the emotions we all feel right now. Our Great Captain has fallen. Our hearts are broken. We cannot help but ask ‘Why?’ The legacy of Chokwe Lumumba must not be buried with the man. He believed in the people of Jackson. In his honor, we must carry on. Farewell, noble man. We shall press on with our duty, as you taught us.”
Gov. Phil Bryant issued the following statement:
“Deborah and I are shocked and saddened by the news of Mayor Lumumba’s passing and are praying for his loved ones. Just a short time ago, I had the opportunity to join the mayor in a church pew as we welcomed a new development to the city. His enthusiasm for Jackson will be deeply missed.”
Hinds County Sheriff Tyrone Lewis issued a statement as well.
“Jackson has lost a giant in public service today.
On behalf of the men and women of the Hinds County Sheriff’s Office I want to express my sincere condolences to the family of Mayor Chowke Lumumba.
Lumumba was a man among many. He was a giant in the arenas of community service, legal representation and youth development.
I am personally saddened by this unexpected tragedy, as Lumumba was very instrumental in my being elected as sheriff of Hinds County. Lumumba, unlike other public and elected officials was not afraid to campaign with me while he was a sitting elected official. I’m grateful for the many lessons he shared with me along the way.
The Hinds County Sheriff’s Office stands ready to assist the Lumumba family and the city of Jackson during this time of bereavement and transition. ”
Hinds County District Attorney Robert Smith also issued a statement.
“While only in office a short time, Chokwe Lumumba will be remembered as a great mayor of the city of Jackson. Our prayers are with his family, and our neighbors, as we mourn the loss of a remarkable man.”
U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., released a statement Tuesday evening.
“I am deeply saddened by the death of my friend, Mayor Chokwe Lumumba. I have known Mayor Lumumba since 1974. One of the reasons I was so public about my support for the Mayor, was that I believed once people got to know the real Chokwe Lumumba they would find him to be an extremely bright, caring, and umble individual. His election as Mayor and very short term in office demonstrated exactly that.
This evening the City of Jackson truly suffered a great loss. I would like to extend my condolences to the Lumumba family and the City of Jackson.”
Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann issued the following statement:
“We are saddened to learn of the death of mayor Chokwe Lumumba. He had a vision for our city that should not be lost with his passing.”
WAPT
2/25/14
Magnolia Tribune
