Civil rights, Dr. C.O. Simpkins has died. He passed away at the age of 94.
He’s been in the hospital for several days, but we have learned he passed Wednesday night. Simpkins was a retired dentist who was instrumental in the Civil Rights Movement across the south.
Deaddeath learnt about his death through a Facebook post by Mayor Adrian Perkins who confirmed the death of Dr. Simpkins in the post.
“Shreveport lost a real hero tonight. Dr. C.O. Simpkins was a civil rights icon, a veteran, civic leader, and founding member of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. He worked alongside his friend Dr. Martin Luther Jr until he was assassinated in 1968.
“Dr. Simpkins’ home and office were also firebombed, but he never wavered. He continued to advocate for Civil Rights and Voting Rights. Both our city and our country will forever be indebted to Dr. C.O. Simpkins for his courageous service. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
*Dr King is seated in the upper left with Dr. Simpkins to his right/ photo taken at Galilee Baptist Church in Shreveport 1958