Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown has ordered all City of Buffalo flags be displayed at half staff through Jan. 4 in honor of George K. Arthur.
Arthur passed away Christmas Day at the age of 87. He was a pioneering politician who championed civil rights and had a thumb on the pulse of the city his entire life.
Brown recognized Arthur earlier this week during a Kwanzaa Liberation Flag-raising ceremony at City Hall.
"We lost one of our elders, former Council President George K. Arthur, and I just want to remember him today, as we raise the flag," Brown said. "His life's work made Buffalo a better place for all people.”
In his Wednesday announcement, Brown noted Arthur's active involvement in public service for 55 years, including 26 years as a Buffalo Common Council member, 12 of them as Council president. Arthur was also a member of the Buffalo Fiscal Stability Authority until his passing and a mentor to many, as a major figure in the region's African-American community. However, his list of accomplishments as a community builder is long and impactful.
He will be laid to rest in Forest Lawn Cemetery on Saturday.
