Trailblazing Mississippi Judge Curtis Austin Passes

Municipal Court Judge Curtis Austin, a giant of the community who was one of the first African Americans to serve on the Columbus City Council and as a lawyer and judge in Columbus, Mississippi, died yesterday morning in Birmingham, Al. He was 60. Austin died of an undisclosed illness at about 5:30 a.m. October 6th after almost two weeks at UAB Hospital.

City Councilman Kabir Karriem called Austin a "trailblazer" who was a staple of local politics.

"(He) was one of those giants in our community whose shoulders we stand on," Karriem said.

The Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity member was the second African American on the City Council, which paved the way for better race relations in the community, said Councilman Gene Taylor.

"To have another black person on the board as an attorney and as a judge at the time was a tremendous boost, not only to the black community but to the city as a whole," Taylor said.

Austin practiced as an attorney for about 30 years in Mississippi before becoming a Municipal Court judge in January 1994. He received a degree from George Washington School of Law and was a graduate of Jackson State University. He was a member of the Sanders Chapel CME Church in Columbus.

Those Austin worked with also praised him for his candor and community service.

"He was a very good person—always approachable, always helpful," said Police Chief Joseph St. John. "We're going to miss him, and that's not just a nice line." Although he was reserved and generally quiet, Austin had a "great sense of humor," said Lowndes County Supervisor Leroy Brooks.

The father of four and grandfather of two will be sorely missed, Brooks said.

On the city website, Austin listed reading, gardening and cooking as his hobbies.

Carter's Funeral Services is handling funeral arrangements, which had not been completed Wednesday morning.

Submitted by Pene' Woods