Those We Lost — May 13

Honoring those we lost on May 13 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind.

Alfred Rush

Born date uncertain — Died May 13, 1876

Field: Reconstruction Politics / Racial Violence / South Carolina

Alfred Rush was a Black Reconstruction-era South Carolina legislator who was ambushed and murdered.

Why it matters: His death shows how political violence was used to destroy Black power during Reconstruction.

Unita Blackwell

Born March 18, 1933 — Died May 13, 2019

Field: Civil Rights / Mississippi Politics / Black Women Mayors

Unita Blackwell was a civil rights activist and the first Black woman elected mayor in Mississippi.

Why it matters: Her life connects SNCC organizing, voting rights, rural Black politics, and local power.

Elton Fax

Born October 9, 1909 — Died May 13, 1993

Field: Art / Illustration / Black Newspapers / Children’s Literature

Elton Fax was an artist, cartoonist, and writer whose work appeared in Black newspapers and educational materials.

Why it matters: He helps preserve a visual-art and Black press lane for the May archive.