New York, NY, January 7, 2010 … Abraham H. Foxman, National Director of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), issued the following statement on the passing of Percy Sutton:

Percy Sutton was a man of consummate courage and tenacity, an amazingly talented attorney, politician, businessman and human being. He devoted his life to inter-ethnic, inter-racial and inter-religious understanding and civil rights.

 

Mr. Sutton was a leader in promoting Black-Jewish relations.  Among his achievements in that arena, he was an active advocate for Soviet Jews and led a delegation of New Yorkers to the Second Brussels Conference on Soviet Jewry.  As a champion of Israel, he visited the Jewish State and organized Blacks in America to support Israel.

 

For his leadership, talent, expertise, wisdom and commitment in politics, business, communication, and human relations ADL was privileged to honor him with our American Heritage Award in November 2005.

 

One of the great inspirations to all the people of New York, Percy Sutton will be sorely missed, though his legacy lives on.