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Thursday August 28th 2008 |
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Thursday August 28th 2008 |
a non-profit education organization | |
November 24
From San Antonio, TX Percy Ellis Sutton was the youngest of 15 children, all of whom became distinguished citizens in their respective professions (including a New York State Supreme Court judge and a member of the Texas House of Representatives). At the age of twelve young Sutton ran away from home by stowing away on a passenger train for four days to New York City. He called home to San Antonio and immediately one of his brothers-in-law was sent to bring me home. When he got home, his family had earned their respect as an adventurer. Supporting himself, he attended Prairie View A and M, Tuskegee Institute, and Hampton Institute. He also learned to fly, and earned money as a stunt pilot at county fairs. Since he was already a flyer during World War II, he moved to New York, enlisted in the Army Air Corps and served with the Tuskegee Airmen. Sutton won combat stars as an intelligence officer with the 332nd Fighter Group's Black 99th Pursuit Squadron in the Italian and Mediterranean Theater. After receiving an honorable discharge with the rank of Captain, Sutton enrolled in the Brooklyn College Law School, and received his law degree in 1950. As a lawyer Sutton seized his place in American by fighting for civil rights with the NAACP and as the council for Malcolm X. In 1966, Sutton ran for Manhattan Borough President, which he won with 80 percent of the vote. In 1971, he co-founded the Inner City Broadcasting Corporation, which purchased WLIB-AM, making it the first Black-owned station in New York City. Currently Inner City Broadcasting also owns leading radio station WBLS radio. In 1995, Sutton became a member of the delegation of leading American business people selected by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Ron Brown to represent the United States at the G-7 round table meeting on Telecommunications and High Technology. As the responsible party for the refurbishing and reopening the historic Apollo Theater in Harlem, Sutton is a legend, mentor and pioneer in the areas of business, government and law. He has been the recipient of many awards including the NAACP's Spingarn Medal. Though retired, Sutton continues to give to the community in politics, business and communication. Reference: MOBE, 47 West Polk Street, suite 100-261, Chicago, Ill. 60605
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The African American Registry®, The African American Registry® Copyright 2005, 2006
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