Lee Alcorn: A Texas Civil Rights Giant. By Black Texans, Inc.

 

Lee Alcorn: A Texas Civil Rights Giant. By Black Texans, Inc., https://aframnews.com/lee-alcorn-a-true-champion-of-the-people/


GRAND PRAIRIE, TEXAS - Featured in the latest edition of the African-American News&Issues by Natiece M. Ford, Lee Alcorn’s life and legacy stand as a testament to the transformative power of fearless leadership and relentless advocacy for civil rights. Born on July 23, 1937, in Ledbetter, Texas, Alcorn’s journey from a U.S. Air Force cryptologist to a towering civil rights leader exemplifies his unwavering commitment to equality and justice.


Alcorn’s activism extended far beyond speeches and rallies; his work was hands-on and often confrontational. In 1984, he founded the Grand Prairie chapter of the NAACP, spearheading efforts to remove Confederate symbols and push for single-member districts to ensure equitable representation for Black citizens in local government. His direct-action approach was uncompromising, earning him both admiration and criticism from within the Black community and beyond.


In June 1993, Alcorn became a key figure in the fight for justice following the death of Craig Thomas, a Black man who died under suspicious circumstances while in police custody in Corsicana, Texas. Alcorn, then president of the Grand Prairie NAACP, led a march through the city streets, demanding accountability from law enforcement and systemic changes to combat racial injustice. Shouting through a bullhorn, he called for the dismissal of the officers involved and advocated for police sensitivity and civil rights training. His leadership catalyzed change, prompting the involvement of the Texas Rangers and the U.S. Department of Justice in the investigation.


“Lee was a constant, regardless,” said Commissioner John Wiley Price of Dallas. “I think that will be his legacy.” Pastor Kyev Tatum of New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church echoed this sentiment, describing Alcorn as “the greatest civil rights leader in Texas.”


Alcorn’s impact was not limited to civil rights battles. As the Radiology Department Head at the VA hospital, he championed diversity by encouraging Black men and women to pursue careers in radiology, paving the way for representation in healthcare.


Even after resigning from the NAACP in 2000, Alcorn continued his activism by founding the Coalition for the Advancement of Civil Rights. His work inspired a generation of activists and laid the groundwork for modern social justice movements, particularly in addressing Confederate symbols and advocating for inclusive representation.


On his 84th birthday, the city of Grand Prairie honored his contributions by proclaiming July 23, 2021, as D. Lee Alcorn Day. However, efforts to rename South Grand Prairie High School after him remain unfulfilled, a reminder of the ongoing struggle to fully recognize the contributions of Black leaders.


Alcorn’s advice to young activists—“Stand up for what you know is right because a lot of Black people will not fight for their own rights”—remains as relevant today as ever. His life exemplifies the courage and resilience required to confront injustice and spark change.


Today, Alcorn resides in Grand Prairie with his wife, Rhonda, continuing to inspire those who fight for a fair and just society. From his fearless leadership during moments of crisis to his enduring advocacy for systemic change, Lee Alcorn’s legacy shines brightly as a beacon of hope and determination in the ongoing struggle for civil rights.


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