Judge Russell B. Sugarmon, a Memphis civil rights pioneer, died today at the age of 89.
Sugarmon was the second African American to be elected to the Tennessee General Assembly after Reconstruction. During his time with the NAACP, he played an important role in using legal means to desegregate public transportation, restaurants, and schools.
Sugarmon served in the Tennessee House of Representatives as a Democrat from the 11th District from 1967 to 1969. He was a graduate Booker T. Washington High School, Rutgers University, and Harvard Law School.
Tennessee Rep. G. A. Hardaway, the president of the Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators, said, “Judge Sugamon’s accomplishments obviously make him a Memphis icon. But in addition to all of the career accolades, it should be noted what an extraordinary husband, father, grandfather, friend and human being he was. Everything he stood for in his public life, he also demonstrated in his private life. Russell Sugarmon was a humble, kind and good man. The members of Tennessee Black Caucus are grateful for the generation of giants of conviction, advocacy and activism that made it possible for us to serve today.”
Judge Sugarmon was a father to six children, Tarik, Elena, Erika, Monique, Tina, and Carol.
