Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens remembers Thomas Dortch Jr. as "a connector and a facilitator." Dickens released a statement Wednesday evening following the death of Dortch at age 72 after a bout with cancer.
Well known as a civic leader and businessman, in May 2022, the NCBCP Thomas W. Dortch Jr. Institute was established on the campus of Clark Atlanta University. Last year, Atlanta City Council proclaimed November 7th as "Thomas Dortch Day" in honor of the 100 Black Men of America Chairman.
Representative Nikema Williams posted on social media that she is Heartbroken by the passing of Thomas Dortch, Jr. Eternally grateful for his lifelong work to advance equity through his commitment to HBCUs. Comforted to know he watched me introduce a bill to award him a Congressional Gold Medal last week. His loved ones are in my prayers.
Last week, Rep. Williams recognized Dortch on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives. She advocated for him to be honored with the Congressional Gold Medal for his contributions that have benefitted many throughout the country.
Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Lisa Herring saying of Dortch He was one of Atlanta’s most influential leaders, but more than that, he was a strident believer in the human spirit and what can be accomplished for humanity when you invest in people, particularly young people.
Dr. Jamal Bryant said in a statement that Chairman Dortch will be remembered as an influential social, cultural, and political leader for the past 50 years, as well as one of the most effective and successful businessmen in the history of Georgia.
The National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame, founded by Dortch, awarded more than $1 million in scholarships and grants to students.