A former Hartford mayor is being remembered as a pioneer and trailblazer for his community. Thirman Milner died Friday at the age of 91. He was first Black elected mayor in Hartford and in New England and inspired a new generation of black leaders to run for public office.

The Connecticut NAACP says that former Hartford Mayor Thirman Milner has died. He was 91. Milner was the first popularly elected Black mayor in New England.

Milner was also a former president and lifetime member of the Greater Hartford NAACP. They say he tirelessly advocated for civil rights and social justice. Current Hartford Mayor

Gov. Ned Lamont called the former Hartford mayor, who served in the role from 1981 to 1987, "a civil rights icon."

Former Hartford mayor Thirman Milner, known for becoming the first Black mayor in all of New England, has died at the age of 91, officials confirmed to NBC Connecticut. Milner became the first African-American elected mayor in New England in 1974,

Former Hartford Mayor Thirman Milner passes away at age 91

Thirman Milner, mayor of Hartford from 1981 to 1987, was the first Black mayor elected in New England. He died at 91.