Ex-Hartford Mayor Milner, First Elected Black NE Mayor, Dies At 91

HARTFORD, CT — A former Democratic mayor of Connecticut's capital city in the 1980s and a New England civil rights pioneer has died, according to state officials.

Gov. Ned Lamont and Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz Friday released statements regarding the death Friday of Thirman L. Milner, 91.

Milner served as the mayor of Hartford from 1981 to 1987 and was the first popularly elected Black mayor in all of New England.

Lamont said, “Thirman Milner will forever have a place in American history as a civil rights icon. His upbringing here in Connecticut led him to a career in activism, marching with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the sixties and using his passion for social justice as inspiration that led him to a career in politics. As a mayor, state representative, and state senator, he used his influence to enact positive change in Hartford, particularly focusing many of his efforts on the need to ensure that all children – no matter their family’s income level or the neighborhood where they grew up – have access to a quality education that prepares them for success. His passing is a true loss, and I encourage the residents of Connecticut to reflect on the many contributions Thirman Milner has provided our state. I extend my deepest condolences to his family and friends.”

Bysiewicz said, “Connecticut mourns the loss of a trailblazing civil rights activist and community leader who became the first Black mayor of Hartford and in New England. Thirman led our capitol city with civility, integrity, and grace, leaving a legacy that is memorialized with a school, Thirman L. Milner Middle School, named in his honor. His decades of activism and advocacy paved the way for other leaders of color, and I know that his life will continue to inspire generations to come. We are sending our sympathy and prayers to his loved ones.”

For more information on Thirman Milner, click on this link.