As the son and namesake of James R. Mapp, I was very touched by the many expressions of sympathy and memories extended to our family by individuals and organizations throughout the Chattanooga community after he quietly passed at home surrounded by family on “Juneteenth” (June 19).
I would like to acknowledge thanks on behalf of our family for your ongoing kindness, to share some of Daddy’s final thoughts and to offer a pathway to continue the important work to which my father committed his life.
Jon MappRead more
Chattanooga’s James Mapp, civil rights leader for all, has died
At home, James R. Mapp was simply James, Daddy, or Granddaddy. But we also understood his public persona as Mr. Mapp, leader, statesman, and person of conscience for Chattanooga and beyond. We knew this by the way he carried himself as president of the NAACP and the respect he garnered even from those with whom he may have disagreed. Through his activism and belief in the basic good of people, he consistently demonstrated that the day does in fact belong to decent-minded people who come together for the broader good of all.
Although he was not aware of the nine senseless murders at Emanuel AME Church in South Carolina that occurred a day before he passed, we recognize the acts of decent-minded people who expressed forgiveness in the face of such tragic loss as a meaningful sequel to his life. It was the same decent-mindedness that brought South Carolina legislators together to place the symbol of heritage for some and oppression for others in its proper place for the broader good of all.