Jacksonville civil rights legend Lloyd Pearson dies at 102

(2020 Interview) Lloyd Pearson said Jacksonville has come a long way since 1960. "It’s much better than it was back then, although we do have some progress to make," he said. (Vic Micolucci, WJXT 2020)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.Jacksonville civil rights legend Lloyd Nash Pearson Jr. died on Sunday at the age of 102, the Jacksonville Branch NAACP announced via Facebook.

Pearson was a longtime Jacksonville resident who was deeply involved with the ongoing civil rights movement. He participated in the March on Washington in 1963 and was also involved with the NAACP during the ‘80s and ‘90s. That’s when pipe bombs were sent to the organization’s head, and Pearson was actually the one who received the package.

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“He was a living encyclopedia, a beacon of wisdom, and a true guardian of our shared history,” the NAACP wrote.

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(WJXT 2020)

Pearson was also passionate about voter participation. According to NAACP, he collected over 35,000 voter registration applications during his career.

“Lloyd’s recent passing leaves a void that cannot be filled, but his memory will forever resonate within the Jacksonville Branch NAACP,” the NAACP wrote.

Pearson’s memorial service will be held on Jan. 5.