• Release ID: 12-002
• Release Date: 1/12/2012
• Contact: Neil Greenberger 240-777-7939 or Delphine Harriston240-777-7931
• From: Council Office

ROCKVILLE, Md., January 12, 2011—Montgomery County Council President Roger Berliner and members of the Council today offered their thoughts on the passing of civil rights leader Roscoe Nix, who died on Jan. 4 at age 90:

Council President Roger Berliner: Montgomery County continues to evolve as a strong, open, and diverse community. For decades, one of the main reasons was Roscoe Nix, who was a giant in our community. He was tireless in his work with many organizations, including the NAACP and the Board of Education, which appropriately named an elementary school after him. We will greatly miss his smile, his counsel, and his unique style. The ideals he championed will continue to make us a better society. The thoughts of all Montgomery residents go out to his family.

Council Vice President Nancy Navarro: Roscoe was always ahead of his time, always standing up for equity and justice. He understood the power of cross-cultural understanding and never missed an opportunity to be a mentor. I will miss him greatly.

Councilmember Phil Andrews: Roscoe Nix was a fierce fighter for civil rights, both in the trenches and in the corridors of power. Whenever Montgomery County needed a push to do justice, Roscoe Nix provided it.

Councilmember Marc Elrich: Very sad news that Roscoe Nix has died. He was an original. Outspoken and courageous, he was a great civil rights leader in our County. It was only 50 years ago that this was a segregated community, something a lot of younger people don't realize. He was in the forefront of those who struggled to change that and he remained a persistent fighter for civil rights and social justice in the years that followed. He was respected and admired by many, and rightly so. He really did help our community become a better place to live for everyone.

Councilmember Valerie Ervin: Roscoe Nix was a giant and will be remembered with great admiration and affection as a man of amazing integrity and grace who spoke for and fought on behalf of those who could not speak for themselves.

Councilmember Nancy Floreen: You couldn’t hope to meet a kinder, more caring man than Roscoe Nix. Montgomery County wouldn’t be what it is today without Roscoe's leadership, and I am grateful to have known him. Although it is sad to say goodbye, Roscoe's achievements will live on in Montgomery County for decades to come.

Councilmember Craig Rice: Roscoe Nix was an amazing man in trying times. As a civil rights icon, education advocate, spiritual leader and devoted family man, he served and will continue to serve as a shining example of a strong black man. I thank him for showing many in my generation the way.

Councilmember Hans Riemer: Roscoe Nix not only fought for what he believed, he continually showed the determination to use unconventional means to bring equal rights to all people in Montgomery County. The County we live in now reflects his efforts and we are thankful and appreciative for what he did.

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