Jackson Mayor Chokwe Lumumba dies

Jackson Mayor Chokwe Lumumba dies

Jackson Mayor Chokwe Lumumba died this afternoon at St. Dominic’s Hospital, according to multiple city officials.

“All I can say is the mayor is gone,” Ward 7 Councilwoman Margaret Barrett-Simon said.

Although the mayor “has been sick, he’s looked well recently. He’s been here with bells on,” she said.

Barrett-Simon said she last saw him Thursday or Friday of last week.

Ward 1 Councilman Quentin Whitwell was somber Tuesday afternoon as he made his way to City Hall for a scheduled press conference.

“A lot of people did not understand Chokwe Lumumba, people who were in my political circles,” Whitwell said. “But anyone who got to know him knew he was an incredible person with a big heart.”

Clarion Ledger
2/25/14