New England's first Black mayor Thirman Milner has died at age 91

Former Hartford mayor Thirman Milner, known for becoming the first Black mayor in all of New England, has died at the age of 91, officials confirmed to NBC Connecticut.

Milner became the first African-American elected mayor in New England in 1981, serving the city of Hartford until 1987. He also served as a state representative and a state senator.

The Connecticut National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) said Milner will be remembered as a civil rights icon, community activist and dedicated public servant.

The NAACP said Milner broke barriers and paved the way for future leaders in the city and region, which had long been defined by racial and social injustices.

Milner served as president of the Greater Hartford NAACP and was a lifelong member.

"The Connecticut State Conference of the NAACP extends its heartfelt condolences to Mayor Milner's family, friends and former constituents during this difficult time. His contributions to Hartford and the broader New England community have left an indelible mark, and he will be deeply missed," President of the Connecticut State Conference NAACP Scot Esdaile said in a statement.

Virginia Monteiro, who's Milner's step daughter and a part of the NAACP, said her "Pops" represented a fight that continues to ensure children are educated, and freedom.

"It's very important for us to continue the legacy that he set for all of us," Monteiro said. "He was very much devoted to ensuring that there was equity and justice for everyone."

"He is a wonderful man for the people, never taking personal gain or being compromised in office as mayor and senator," Carl Milner, Thirman's nephew, said on Facebook.

There's a middle school in Hartford named after him - called Thirman L. Milner Middle School.

The NAACP said they will provide information about funeral arrangements for Milner as soon as it's made available by his family.

"He was a true servant of the people, and his impact will resonate for generations to come," Esdaile said.

Community reaction

Current Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam provided the following statement:

“Today, we mourn the passing of former Mayor Thirman Milner, a trailblazer whose legacy as New England’s first popularly elected Black mayor continues to inspire us. His commitment to public service and civil rights transformed Hartford and paved the way for future leaders. Thirman embodied resilience and dedication, championing the needs of our community during challenging times. As we reflect on his contributions, let us honor his memory by continuing our work towards building a Hartford that works for all. Our thoughts are with his family and all who were touched by his remarkable life.”

Gov. Ned Lamont said Milner will always be remembered 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.”

Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz issued the following statement:

“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.”

Former Hartford mayor Luke Bronin said Milner lived a life of extraordinary service.

"Last year, the community came together to celebrate Mayor Milner's life and legacy on his 90th birthday, and the outpouring of love, admiration and affected was such a beautiful testimony. Not just to the fact that he made history, but to the fact that he made a huge difference in so many lives and in the community that he loved, and that loved him back."

Sen. Richard Blumenthal said Milner was a caring and courageous leader.

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Thirman Milner gave caring, courageous leadership as Mayor of Hartford, civil rights champion, & legislator. His deeply meaningful impact on countless CT lives will be an enduring legacy. https://t.co/TxvD3qBPCp

— Richard Blumenthal (@SenBlumenthal) November 29, 2024

Eddie Perez, a former Hartford mayor, said Milner was "a soldier in the fight for equality for all human beings."

"To lose an icon like Mayor Milner, most people read about history, I grew up and it was down the block. Thirman was creating history for the city of Hartford," Perez said.

“He always had a twinkle in his eye,” said Mike McGarry, a republican who ran against him in 1981. “I ran against him and I knew I couldn’t win. We became good friends. Great guy, sad to see him go.”