Mississippi Pays Final Respects to a Trailblazing Leader
On Sunday, March 9, 2025, the Mississippi State Capitol rotunda became a place of solemn reflection as former State Rep. Robert Clark Jr. lay in repose. Clark, the first Black lawmaker elected to the Mississippi Legislature since Reconstruction, was honored by dozens of mourners who gathered to pay their respects.
State troopers stood guard as visitors cycled through the rotunda, remembering a man who overcame immense racial barriers to become one of Mississippi’s most respected leaders. Clark, who served 36 years in the legislature, rose from being ostracized by his white colleagues to holding the prestigious position of speaker pro tempore.
Austin Wiley, a 77-year-old farmer from Lexington, shared emotional memories of Clark. “He never forgot his roots,” Wiley said. “No matter how high he climbed, he always stayed connected to the people who supported him.”
From Football Coach to Political Pioneer
Before his political career, Clark was a beloved high school football coach in Lexington. Wiley, who played on Clark’s all-Black team, recalled how Clark shielded his players from racial hostility during games. “He was more than a coach,” Wiley said. “He was a protector and a mentor.”
Clark’s journey into politics began in 1968 when he was elected to the Mississippi House of Representatives. Despite facing blatant racism, including being forced to sit alone on the House floor, Clark remained steadfast. His perseverance inspired countless others to pursue public service.
Karen Tiggs, Clark’s niece by marriage, said he often shared stories of his struggles to motivate his family. “He wanted us to understand the importance of perseverance,” Tiggs said. “Now, we share those stories with the next generation to keep his legacy alive.”
A Legacy of Breaking Barriers
Clark’s impact extended beyond the state legislature. In the 1980s, he ran twice for Mississippi’s 2nd congressional district, paving the way for future Black leaders like Mike Espy and Bennie Thompson. Thompson, who currently holds the seat, attended Sunday’s tribute, calling Clark a “true winner” who changed the course of history.
“Robert Clark showed us that Black Mississippians could not only run for office but win,” Thompson said. “His legacy is why Mississippi now has more Black elected officials than any other state.”
Clark’s funeral service will be held on Tuesday in Lexington, where he will be laid to rest. His life serves as a testament to the power of resilience and the enduring fight for equality.
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