Uncrowned Community Builders

Delmar was born in Providence, Kentucky on February 17, 1918. His parents were Lee and Tobitha Mitchell and he had one sibling, James. He graduated from DuSable High School in Chicago in 1936 and remained a devoted member of the Alumni Association. Mitchell attended Illinois State University in Champaign and DePaul in Chicago. He served in the U.S. Army in the Pacific and in Europe during World War II as a 1st Lieutenant. He received the Purple Heart as a result of being wounded during his tour of duty. In 1946, he was discharged from the Infantry as a Captain. Following his stint in the Army, Mitchell worked for the U.S. Department of Justice, in the Intelligence Division. He moved to Buffalo in 1951, where he operated a hotel and bar, Mitchellââ?¬â?¢s Corner, for many years.

In 1956, he entered politics and ran as a democrat to represent the old 13th Ward in the County Legislature. He was named Masten District Council Member in 1961 upon the death of Cora P. Maloney, the first African American woman on the Council. Mitchell was twice re-elected before winning election as Council Member- at- Large in 1965. He became the Council Majority Leader in 1970. He was the first African American elected to a citywide office in Buffalo. He was a key supporter of many of the cityââ?¬â?¢s rebuilding efforts in the 1970s and 80s, forging agreements that helped bring Metro Rail, the Buffalo Hilton and the Buffalo Convention Center to completion. He was also instrumental in establishing an elected Board of Education for the city and a school desegregation plan. During his illustrious career, he served as a County Supervisor, Masten District Councilman, Councilman-at-large, Majority Leader and Common Council President, a post he held from 1974 until his retirement in 1983.

He was the recipient of numerous awards and honors for his many years of public service, including: the Buffalo News Citizen of the Year Award in 1974 and the NAACP Medgar Evers Civil Rights Award in 1983 which cited his ââ?¬Å?balanced views.ââ?¬ He received an honorary degree from Canisius College in 1971 and was named to the collegeââ?¬â?¢s Board of Regents the following year. He was honored by the 100 Black Men of Buffalo Club in 1994.

That same year, on October 8th, an unveiling ceremony was held at the Main/Delavan Metro Station to dedicate the Delmar L. Mitchell Bust placed at that site in his honor. The ââ?¬Å?Friends of the Honorable Delmar L. Mitchellââ?¬, an ethnically diverse group of Buffaloââ?¬â?¢s leading citizens sponsored the program. The dedication program stated: ââ?¬Å?Delmar was a role model for those already or seeking to become involved in government or community affairs and an inspiration to all that have worked with him during his long tenure in public office. Delmar has always supported and promoted the Democratic concept as President of the Buffalo Common Council, striving to maintain that delicate balance between the legislative and executive branches of City government. Delmar has been an active community leader , in this his home district of the Hamlin Park Homeowners and Taxpayers Association possessing a keen sense of responsibility in matters that concerned his fellow man as evidenced by his participation in civic and political organizations. Delmar was, without question, an exceptional legislator; a highly respected leader and a man of purpose and dedication.ââ?¬ In 1995, a new street in the newly constructed Ellicott Town Center complex off Michigan Avenue and south Division was named in Mitchellââ?¬â?¢s honor.

Mitchell and his wife, Carol Easley Mitchell, retired in Hinsdale/Olean, New York. They were the parents of four sons, Delmar K., Joseph L., Gregory D. and Darryl J. and five grandchildren. Delmar Mitchell died on December 16, 1996 and is buried in Forest Lawn Cemetery.