Cleveland activist remembered

On Feb. 26, a funeral home in Cleveland’s African-American community was filled to standing room only for a service for Willie Frank Horton Sr. The space was also filled with the harmonies of the Mighty Men of Bethel Male Chorus, in which Horton had participated for decades.

Family members came forward to speak of Horton’s many kindnesses and his firm but quiet authority. “He was a giant,” was remarked several times.

A proclamation from the Carl Stokes Brigade was read, honoring their member and friend. The Carl Stokes Brigade is a grassroots organization named after Cleveland’s former mayor, who was the first African-American mayor of a major U.S. city. The proclamation stated:

“Whereas, Willie Hortonhas consistently demonstrated a genuine concern for civil and human rights and has fought valiantly on the battlefield against racism, poverty, economic, social and political injustice, and;

“Whereas, Willie Hortonhas been a powerful voice in the [B]lack struggle against police brutality and violence associated with those both in penal institutions and jails, having spoken vociferously against violence and abuse of [B]lacks and minority detainees, and;

“Whereas, Willie Horton, whose son Stephen lost his life while in custody, carried on the legacy of justice for his own son and others similarly situated, and;

“Whereas, Willie Horton was a freedom fighter and a gentle drum major in the struggle for peace, brotherhood and respect for all [humanity];

“Therefore be it resolved that Willie Horton is justly entitled to full honor and recognition as an outstanding citizen, father, husband, community leader and now honored ancestor.”

As documented in “Stolen Lives: Killed by Law Enforcement,” the Hortons got a call from the police on Jan. 1, 1997, saying that Stephen had hanged himself while in custody after being arrested for disorderly conduct. The family knew their son was not depressed and found out that his belt and shoelaces had been taken away by the police prior to the alleged suicide.

They had to get a lawyer in order to see their son’s body at the morgue, and then they were only allowed to do so through glass. Stephen’s body was wrapped in gauze from his chin down, obscuring its condition. The police provided the Hortons with photos that they believed had been doctored.

Two years later, the Hortons had Stephen’s body exhumed and examined by an independent medical examiner. Seven body parts were missing, including the testicles and parts from around the throat. (Stolen Lives Project, 1999)

For many years after his son’s death, Horton was an active leader in October 22 rallies, as well as other demonstrations against police brutality, working with Black on Black Crime, Inc. (BBCI). When Art McKoy, the founder of BBCI, was in jail on trumped-up charges, Horton provided steady leadership to the organization.

He was also very involved with his union, United Auto Workers Local 45, while working at the Fisher Body plant for 38 years. He was appointed by the International union as the health and safety representative.

Abdul Qahhar, chair of the Cleveland chapter of the New Black Panther Party for Self-Defense, greeted Horton’s spouse Doris at the funeral. “I call her the First Lady. I gave her a red, black and green medallion because Mr. Horton was our wisdom and our light.”