First popularly elected Black mayor in New England, Thirman Milner, has died at 91
The Connecticut NAACP says that former Hartford Mayor Thirman Milner has died
HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Former Hartford Mayor Thirman Milner, the first popularly elected Black mayor in New England, has died, the Connecticut NAACP said on Friday. He was 91.
Milner's death was announced Friday afternoon in a statement on the Instagram page for the Connecticut Conference of the NAACP.
“His tenure was marked by significant strides towards equity, justice, and empowerment for all,” the statement said, adding that memorial arrangements would be forthcoming. The statement did not specify exactly when or where Milner had died.
Milner was the first popularly elected Black mayor in New England. He served as Hartford’s Democratic mayor from 1981 to 1987. He also served as a Connecticut state representative and state senator. He was also a former president and lifetime member of the Greater Hartford NAACP, the organization said.
