Otto Beatty, Jr. who served 18 years as an Ohio state representative, has died. Beatty s wife, U.S. Rep. Joyce Beatty said "his legacy will live on eternally."
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.
Former State Representative Otto Beatty Jr., husband of Rep. Joyce Beatty, has died. He was 81.
Credit: WBNS 10TV Author: Emily Oliver Updated: 1:23 PM EDT May 14, 2021
COLUMBUS, Ohio Former State Representative Otto Beatty Jr., a renowned advocate and leader in the Columbus community, has died. He was 81.
The announcement came Friday in a social media post from his wife, Rep. Joyce Beatty, who said in part, “A devoted father, grandfather, amazing husband and confidante, friend to many, and dedicated leader in the community, Otto will be forever missed but his legacy will live on eternally.”
Otto Beatty was well known in the Columbus community for the work he did to build up minority businesses and serve the disadvantaged.
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