Percy Sutton, Pioneer in Civil Rights, Politics and Business, Dies at 89

Percy E. Sutton, the youngest of 15 children whose father was born at the end of the slavery era, died Saturday in New York after a lifetime of achievement in politics and business. Sutton, a Freedom Rider during the early 1960s, rose to prominence as a lawyer whose clients included Malcolm X. He was a candidate for mayor of New York in 1977, and was the longest-serving borough president of Manhattan.

Born in San Antonio, Tex., Sutton was part of the famed Tuskegee Airmen during World War II, earning combat decorations in the European theater. He also served during the Korean War. He earned a degree at Brooklyn Law School, then became involved in the civil rights movement.

His role in politics included working to elect Rep. Charles Rangel to Congress in 1970. New York Gov. David Paterson said in a statement that Sutton, 89 at the time of his death, "talked me into running for office and . . . continued to serve as one of my most valued advisers."

A pioneer and innovator in business, he created an empire that included, at various times, radio stations, cable TV systems and national television programs, the New York Times reported. He purchased the Apollo Theatre in Harlem at a bankruptcy sale in 1981, then renovated the storied venue and reopened it to great acclaim.