A Memphis pioneer of law and politics, Judge Russell Sugarmon, passed away this morning after a long illness.
Sugarmon, a graduate of Booker T. Washington and Harvard law, was the founder and partner of the Mid-South’s first integrated law firm.
As the first African American to run for major city office, Sugarmon vied for Public Works Commissioner in 1959 and later served as a State Lawmaker.
With the help of Benjamin Hooks, A.W. Willis, and others, Sugarmon helped resurrect the Shelby County Democratic Club.
Former Shelby County Commissioner Walter Bailey counts Sugarmon as a mentor and called him a Memphis visionary.
“If he had pursued economic goals he probably would have done quite well, enjoyed a lot of prosperity economically, but he chose not that route,” said Bailey. “He chose the route of making political and social sacrifices for community to help it evolve and develop into a community in which we all could be proud.”
Sugarmon was 89 years old.
Statements regarding the passing of Judge Russell B. Sugarmon include the following.
Congressman Steve Cohen:
“Russell Sugarmon was a great civil rights leader, a political genius who guided many campaigns to victory and always fought the good fight. He worked tirelessly even when victory wasn’t in the cards and kept the faith, knowing that it would be down the line. Russell Sugarmon was one of the most learned people on politics and history in our community. He never sought the limelight and, in fact, avoided it. But his influence cannot be overstated. Russell’s collaboration with a biracial and tolerant group of Memphians and his progressive leadership has made Memphis the city it is today.
“Russell was a husband, a father, and a cherished friend to many. I owe much of my success to Russell Sugarmon, who was my mentor and supporter as well as my friend. He was truly one of the giants of Memphis.”
Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris:
“I am saddened to hear of the passing of civil rights leader Judge Russell Sugarmon. My thoughts are with his family right now. Judge Sugarmon’s passion for this community lives on with his family. I know his son Judge Tarik Sugarmon, a great person and dedicated public servant. And I have seen his daughter Erika, a school teacher, in action and she is also passing along the importance of civic engagement to the next generation. I am comforted to know that Judge Sugarmon’s dedication and courage lives on.”
Tennessee State Representative G. A. Hardaway:
“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.”