*Tributes continue to pour in for civic and civil rights leader John Mack, who died on Thursday after losing a long battle with cancer. Her was 81.
Mack, who was hailed for improving the lives of people in disenfranchised communities and helping to reshape the direction of the Los Angeles Police Department.
“John Mack’s wisdom, integrity, and kindness helped transform Los Angeles,” Mayor Eric Garcetti said in a statement Friday morning. “As a civil rights warrior, police commission president, and ally to all who love freedom and fairness, John made history with a fierce determination to pursue justice, an unshakable commitment to equality, and an unbreakable bond with the community he worked tirelessly to uplift every day of his remarkable life. He moved both spirits and systems — by merging his gentle bearing with a fearless resolve to make change that has touched and saved countless lives.”
Outgoing LAPD Chief Charlie Beck also hailed Mack, saying the city “lost a dedicated public servant today.”
“Former police commission president John Mack was instrumental in guiding the LAPD towards community-based 21st Century policing. Our department and our city are in a better place because of John’s legacy,” Beck said.
Civil-rights leader the Rev. Jesse Jackson called Mack “a civil rights giant and freedom fighter.”
“Prayers for and condolences to the family of John Mack and the city of Los Angeles for which he worked so hard to make fair and just for all of its residents,” Jackson said.
Najee Ali CEO of Project Islamic Hope mourns the passing of his friend and mentor John Mack who was a Civil Rights icon:
“John Mack always led from the front and as leader of the Los Angeles Urban League , Mack was at the forefront for decades in fighting for economic and civil.rights for the African-American community, not just locally but also nationally. Mr. Mack embraced and helped develop young civil rights activists. We fought side by side under his leadership to make Los Angeles a better city for all.”
Magic Johnson said Mack “changed so many lives in Los Angeles.”
Thank you John Mack for changing my life and thousands of others. May you rest in peace. Love and prayers to the Mack family. pic.twitter.com/LCBqYsVcTH
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) June 22, 2018
He welcomed me to LA with open arms 29 years ago. Will always remember his kindness, courage and intelligence. A true business and civic leader who brought communities together. #RIP #JohnMack @laurbanleague pic.twitter.com/aiOdcb5CvL
— Pat Harvey (@Patharveynews) June 22, 2018
John Mack was also interviewed by filmmaker and EUR Associate Keith O’Derek for his unreleased Barack Obama film “Road to the White House.”
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