End of an Era
Jul 9th, 2009 by David Anderson
Delaware Civil Rights Icon, Littleton Mitchell passed away in an auto accident Monday. The AP had this as an obituary.
Littleton Mitchell, 90, a Delaware civil rights activist, died Monday.
Mr. Mitchell, who was killed in a crash near his Delaware City home, was pronounced dead during surgery at an area hospital, state police said.
The crash occurred around 3 p.m. Monday when Mitchell’s Toyota Prius crossed the centerline and collided with a GMC Savana. The driver of the Savana was treated and released.
Mr. Mitchell, who served as a Tuskegee Airman, led the state NAACP chapter for more than 30 years and, along with his late wife, Jane, was a key figure in eliminating segregation in Delaware hospitals.
The Milford, Del., native was the first African American to teach white students in Delaware and labored to get the state police force to hire its first black trooper.
The AP obituary does not tell what made him special. Instead of merely being happy with being first, he wanted to ensure that he wasn’t the last. Instead of allowing injustice to to embitter him, he led the way to marginalize the voices of anger and embrace the call of hope. Instead of trying to be a celebrity, he brought together a team and mentored others.
He served our country in War. He worked to advance it in peace. He is a true testament to the dignity that God allows the human spirit to reach. Sir, one final thank you for your service.
This interview says more about him than I ever could, please read it.
Thanks for sharing
My life is better off in a real and direct result of Mr. Mitchell. It is only fitting that I honor his life. My mother was part of the first high school class to be integrated in Kent County. This is very personal to me.
Thanks David! Well done!!
Fitting. Here is a real icon who served people where it mattered. I am glad to see that someone who made a difference is getting his due. We have become such an entertainment oriented culture.