*Administration of Barack H. Obama, 2009 *

**Statement on the Death of Percy Sutton **

*December 27, 2009 *

Percy Sutton was a true hero to African Americans in New York City and around the country. We will remember him for his service to the country as a Tuskegee airman, to New York State as a State assemblyman, to New York City as Manhattan borough president, and to the community of Harlem in leading the effort to revitalize the world renowned Apollo Theater. His life-long dedication to the fight for civil rights and his career as an entrepreneur and public servant made the rise of countless young African Americans possible.

Michelle and I extend our deepest condolences to his family on this sad day.

*Categories:* Statements by the President : Deaths :: Sutton, Percy*.*

*Names:* Obama, Michelle; Sutton, Percy*.*

*Subjects:* Civil rights : Minorities :: African-American civil rights movement; Deaths : Sutton, Percy.

*DCPD Number:* DCPD200901016.