Maynard Jackson, Former Atlanta Mayor, Dead at Age 65

Update: Maynard Jackson was remembered with warmth, tears, humor, and eloquent words at his memorial service held at a capacity filled Atlanta Civic Center. Attendees included Coretta Scott King, John Lewis, Jesse Jackson, and former President Clinton, as well as a poem written by Maya Angelou in memory of the man who gave so much to the city of Atlanta. Jackson was buried at the historical Oakland Cemetery.

The city of Atlanta is shocked and saddened by the sudden death of the city's first African American mayor, Maynard Jackson, who died of a heart attack while on business in Washington DC. He had a history of heart problems, including bypass surgery back in 1992, at which time six blocked arteries were unclogged.

While Jackson enjoyed a great deal of popularity, having served as Atlanta's mayor for three terms, he also had his share of enemies and controversy, especially among the city's business leaders. His emphasis on increasing the city's contracts with minorities was met with opposition by some white business leaders, who felt the mayor was participating in reverse discrimination. There was also the divisive runoff election for mayor back in 1973, where Jackson was pitted against Atlanta's first Jewish Mayor, Sam Massell, who is now head of the Buckhead Coalition. Racial issues rose to the forefront, but Jackson would claim victory.

But Jackson's accomplishments were astounding. During his various terms as mayor, Jackson lowered the crime rate in Atlanta, assisted with the crucial expansion of Hartsfield International Airport, helped the city start its rapid rail system, was integral in bringing the 1996 Olympics to Atlanta, and streamlined the city's adminstration structure.

Even after his days as mayor were over, he continued to be successful. His investment firm was picked by "Black Enterprises" magazine as one of the top five investment companies in the country. He also remained actively involved in democratic politics, especially in the area of raising voter interest and participation in the African American community.

Maynard Jackson will be missed by many for all of the positive contrbutions he made to the city of Atlanta.