LEXINGTON, Miss. — The legacy of Robert G. Clark, a prominent figure in Mississippi’s political history, ended on Tuesday as he passed away at the age of 96. His son, Rep. Bryant Clark, confirmed that Clark died of natural causes at his home in Holmes County, north of Jackson.
Robert G. Clark made history when he was elected in 1967 as the first Black lawmaker in Mississippi since the post-Civil War era. Despite starting his political journey under strenuous circumstances—he was often isolated and ignored by his white colleagues—Clark became a pivotal figure in the state House of Representatives.
A teacher by profession and a descendant of slaves, Clark faced significant racial barriers during his early years at the Capitol. He sat alone at a two-person desk within the House chamber and was often overlooked by his peers at social functions. Nonetheless, over his 36-year tenure, Clark’s influence grew significantly. He became the chairman of both the House Ethics Committee and the influential Education Committee. In a state where nearly 40% of the population is Black, Clark witnessed and contributed to the election of more Black officials and the enforcement of voting rights.
Notably, in January 1992, Clark’s peers, both Black and white, elected him as the House speaker pro tempore, a role he held with distinction until his retirement in 2004. His remarkable contributions were celebrated in February 2018, when he was one of five individuals honored during a gala at the then-newly inaugurated Mississippi Civil Rights Museum.
Clark’s journey from his modest beginnings, where his family once toiled in the cotton fields of Holmes County, to becoming a respected leader, was remarkable. As a child, he absorbed invaluable life lessons from his grandfather, William Clark, who was born into slavery.
Reflecting on these early years, Clark recalled his grandfather recounting the deprivations of slavery, noting how their food was thrown to them in a trough, akin to feeding livestock. These formative experiences instilled a unique sense of identity and leadership in Clark. He recalled anecdotes shared by his grandfather that emphasized individuality and the importance of not merely following the crowd, lessons that would guide his future path.
After securing a master’s degree in education in Michigan, Clark returned to Mississippi to fulfill promises made to his ancestors. As an educator, he was deeply engaged with his students’ families, often entering their homes. He recognized the educational challenges faced by many Black parents in his community.
When his proposal for an adult education program was rebuffed by the local, all-white school board, Clark’s determination led him to run for a place on that board. When legislative maneuvering made the board appointed rather than elected, Clark took a bold step by challenging the incumbent state representative, thus marking a significant milestone in Mississippi’s political landscape.
Over his career, Clark navigated shifting political currents, initially aligning with the “Black and Tan” faction of the Republican Party, as people of his background were largely excluded from the Democratic Party controlling the state. His first legislative campaign was as an independent, though he would eventually find success as a Democrat.
Even on his inauguration day in January 1968, doubts lingered over his ability to take the oath, due to a challenge by his defeated opponent. Nonetheless, with legal backing, Clark was sworn in beside statues of past leaders representing an era of segregation.
The legislative environment was unwelcoming, with Clark often dining alone and facing social exclusion. Despite these circumstances, he found strategies to cope, sometimes humorously noting how his solitary dining led to an unexpected weight gain.
Clark’s personal life was marked by resilience. Following the passing of his first wife, Essie, to cancer in 1977, he raised their two sons alone. He eventually remarried Jo Ann Ross, and his legacy continued through his children, with his son Bryant succeeding him in the state House and his other son, Robert G. Clark III, serving as a judge.
