LA Civic Leader John Mack Dies At 81

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) — Longtime Los Angeles civic leader John Mack has died at the age of 81.

Mack's family says he died Thursday night at Cedars Sinai Medical Center after a long battle with cancer.

Tributes poured in for Mack, who was hailed for improving the lives of people in disenfranchised communities and helping to reshape the direction of the Los Angeles Police Department.

"John Mack's wisdom, integrity, and kindness helped transform Los Angeles," Mayor Eric Garcetti said in a statement Friday morning. "As a civil rights warrior, police commission president, and ally to all who love freedom and fairness, John made history with a fierce determination to pursue justice, an unshakable commitment to equality, and an unbreakable bond with the community he worked tirelessly to uplift every day of his remarkable life. He moved both spirits and systems -- by merging his gentle bearing with a fearless resolve to make change that has touched and saved countless lives."

Outgoing LAPD Chief Charlie Beck also hailed Mack, saying the city "lost a dedicated public servant today."

"Former police commission president John Mack was instrumental in guiding the LAPD towards community-based 21st Century policing. Our department and our city are in a better place because of John's legacy," Beck said.

Civil-rights leader the Rev. Jesse Jackson called Mack "a civil rights giant and freedom fighter."

"Prayers for and condolences to the family of John Mack and the city of Los Angeles for which he worked so hard to make fair and just for all of its residents," Jackson said.

Magic Johnson said Mack "changed so many lives in Los Angeles."

Mack served as president of the Los Angeles Urban League from 1969 until he retired in 2005, when he was named president of the board of police commissioners of the Los Angeles Police Department. He also co-founded Los Angeles Black Leadership Coalition on Education in 1977 and was later appointed vice president of the United Way Corporation of Council Executives.

"Los Angeles lost one of its great heroes when John Mack passed away last night," LA City Attorney Mike Feuer said in a statement. "John was  aleader who exuded strength and a listener who brought us together and sought to heal. He was my friend. He was inspiring."

Attorney General Xavier Becerra called Mack an instrumental leader in Los Angeles police reform.

"John Mack was a rock for decency, opportunity and equality," Becerra said in a statement. "His hands touched the lives of so many. John's impact will ripple for generations."

He was the recipient of numerous awards from the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Operation Hope, the Southern Christian Leadership and the California African American Museum.

(© Copyright 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. City News Service contributed to this report.)

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