Former Georgia Sen. Vincent Fort passes away from cancer at 68

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Former Georgia Sen. Vincent Fort

Credit: File

Former Georgia State Sen. Vincent Fort, the Democratic leader known for his championing of economic and racial equality, has died from cancer at age 68. 

Fort served in the Georgia Senate from 1997 to 2017, representing the 39th District, which includes parts of Atlanta, East Point, and South Fulton County. He made unsuccessful bids to become Atlanta’s mayor and the U.S. House of Representatives. 

Fort played a critical role in passing the Georgia Fair Lending Act and was an advocate for a hate crimes bill that was finally signed into law in 2020. He was frequently at odds with fellow Democrats — especially when he backed Bernie Sanders for president over Hillary Clinton — and with Republicans over issues like health care, increasing the minimum wage, and police policy. 

The Connecticut native moved to Georgia in 1978 to get his master’s degree in African-American History, where he later became a professor. 

The Atlanta City Council released the following statement following Fort’s passing:

“Sen. Vincent Fort was a powerful voice for economic and racial equality with a legacy of dedication to social justice, civil rights, and advocating for our marginalized communities.  As a result of the communities he impacted, many hailed him as “The People’s Champion.” His commitment to the people will always have a profound impact on our city and state. We had the privilege of honoring him and are deeply saddened by his passing. Our prayers are with his family, and all touched by his vision for a fair society. May his memory live on through the fights and causes he championed and the lives he uplifted. We will forever remember Sen. Fort’s dedication to the people.”

Mayor Andre Dickens also released a statement on social media: 

This story comes to GPB through a reporting partnership with Rough Draft Atlanta.