C. O. Simpkins
State legislator in Louisiana (1925–2019)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Cuthbert Ormond Simpkins Sr. (January 13, 1925 – December 4, 2019) was an American dentist, civil rights campaigner, and state legislator in Louisiana. He left the state under threat of violence before returning.[1]
January 13, 1925
C. O. Simpkins | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Louisiana House of Representatives | |
| In office 1992–1996 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Cuthbert Ormond Simpkins January 13, 1925 Mansfield, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Died | December 4, 2019 (aged 94) |
| Party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Elaine Shoemaker |
| Parent |
|
| Education | Wiley College Tennessee State University Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry |
| Profession | Politician, dentist, civil rights campaigner |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch/service | United States Air Force |
He was born in Mansfield, Louisiana to Oscar Simpkins.[2] He studied at Wiley College and graduated from Tennessee State University with an undergraduate degree. He received a Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry in Nashville, Tennessee.[3]
He served in the U.S. Air Force.[4] He was a founding member of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. He lived in Shreveport.[2] His home and office were firebombed.[3]
He lived in New York for 26 years before returning to Shreveport.[3] A Democrat, he served in the Louisiana House of Representatives from 1992 to 1996.[5] At the time of his death he was married to Elaine nee Shoemaker Simpkins. Mansfield's post office was renamed for him.[6][7]
