Otto Beatty Jr., fighter for Black-owned businesses, dies
JULIE CARR SMYTH, Associated Press
May 14, 2021
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COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Attorney and former state lawmaker Otto Beatty Jr., a leading figure in the fight for racial equality in Ohio, has died at 81.
His wife, U.S. Rep. Joyce Beatty, announced his death on Twitter on Friday, calling him “a devoted father, grandfather, amazing husband and confidante, friend to many, and dedicated leader in the community.” No cause of death was given.
As a lawyer, Beatty successfully used his Columbus law firm to fight discrimination and the grip white-owned businesses held at the time on lucrative government contracts.