JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - “I am deeply saddened by the death of my friend, Mayor Chokwe Lumumba. I have known Mayor Lumumba since 1974. One of the reasons I was so public about my support for the mayor, was that I believed once people got to know the real Chokwe Lumumba they would find him to be an extremely bright, caring and humble individual. His election as mayor and very short term in office demonstrated exactly that. This evening the city of Jackson truly suffered a great loss. I would like to extend my condolences to the Lumumba family and the city of Jackson.” - U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson, Democrat, 2nd District.
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“We are deeply saddened by the loss of the promising new mayor of our capital city, the Honorable Chokwe Lumumba. His young administration has been a great beacon of hope for so many of us. He was just beginning to make an effective start tackling the long-neglected challenges faced by our capital city. I ask all Mississippians to reflect upon the magnitude of this tragic loss. Our thoughts and our prayers go out to the mayor’s family, friends, and the countless people who believed in him…. He was a true servant leader in the finest sense of the phrase.” - Rickey Cole, chairman of the Mississippi Democratic Party.
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“Words cannot do justice to the emotions we all feel right now. Our great captain has fallen. Our hearts are broken….The legacy of Chokwe Lumumba must not be buried with the man. He believed in the people of Jackson. In his honor, we must carry on. Farewell, noble man. We shall press on with our duty, as you taught us.” - Jacqueline Amos, chairwoman of the Hinds County Democratic Party.
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“Deborah and I are shocked and saddened by the news of Mayor Lumumba’s passing and are praying for his loved ones. Just a short time ago, I had the opportunity to join the mayor in a church pew as we welcomed a new development to the city. His enthusiasm for Jackson will be deeply missed.” - Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant, Republican.
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“We are saddened to learn of the death of Mayor Chokwe Lumumba. He had a vision for our city that should not be lost with his passing.” - Mississippi Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann, Republican.
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“My colleagues and I were saddened to learn of the sudden death of Mayor Chokwe Lumumba. The mayor and his administration had embarked on a strong and courageous plan of progressive action for the city of Jackson. Mayor Lumumba’s quiet yet forceful leadership will be missed. Our thoughts, prayers, and sincere condolences go out to Mayor Lumumba’s family, friends, and the citizens of our capital city.” - State Rep. Bobby Moak of Bogue Chitto, House Democratic Caucus Leader.
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“Mayor Lumumba was a man of true conviction and a powerful change agent for the city of Jackson and the state of Mississippi. I was moved by his compassion and impressed by what he was able to accomplish in his short time as Jackson’s mayor. Please join me in praying for Mayor Lumumba’s friends, family, and the great city of Jackson.” - Brandon Jones, executive director, Mississippi Democratic Trust.
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“While only in office a short time, Chokwe Lumumba will be remembered as a great mayor of the city of Jackson. Our prayers are with his family, and our neighbors, as we mourn the loss of this remarkable man.” - Robert Shuler Smith, district attorney of Hinds County, Democrat.
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