For Immediate Release:
Wednesday, July 1, 2020
Statement from
City Council President Loretta C. Scott regarding the passing of Assemblyman
David F. Gantt
I am profoundly saddened by the passing of David Gantt. I
had the pleasure of calling David a close and trusted friend for over 50 years,
and I will miss him dearly. Our community has lost a transformative leader, a
civil rights pioneer, and a fierce advocate for equity. As the first Black
leader from Monroe County elected to state office, David changed the landscape
of our community and gave a voice to the disenfranchised. As an elected
official, he fought for affordable housing, voting rights, access to
healthcare, reliable infrastructure, and safe neighborhoods. This community was
like family to David, he offered mentorship, support, guidance, and love. Like
his mother, Lena Gantt, he spoke loudly with confidence and clarity, and he
never backed down in his pursuit of justice. His legacy will live on through
the work of those he inspired and will continue to forge a path towards a more
equitable world. My prayers are with his family and all those who loved
him. May he rest in peace.