C. O. Simpkins
Member of the Louisiana House of Representatives
In office
1992–1996
Personal details
Born
Cuthbert Ormond Simpkins

(1925-01-13)January 13, 1925
Mansfield, Louisiana, U.S.
DiedDecember 4, 2019(2019-12-04) (aged 94)
Political partyDemocratic
SpouseElaine Shoemaker
Children6
Parent
  • Oscar Simpkins (father)
EducationWiley College
Tennessee State University
Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry
ProfessionPolitician, dentist, civil rights campaigner
Military service
AllegianceUnited States
Branch/serviceUnited States Air Force

Cuthbert Ormond Simpkins (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]

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]

He was married to Elaine nee Shoemaker Simpkins. There were no children from this marriage. Dr. Simpkins had a total of six children.

Mansfield's post office was renamed for him.[6][7]

References

  1. ↑ Home, Heavenly Gates Funeral. "Obituary for Dr. Cuthbert "CO" Simpkins, Sr. | Heavenly Gates Funeral Home". Obituary for Dr. Cuthbert "CO" Simpkins, Sr. | Heavenly Gates Funeral Home.
  2. 1 2 Ferrell, Scott. "Founding member of Southern Christian Leadership Conference Dr. C.O. Simpkins dies at 94". The Times.
  3. 1 2 3 "CIVIL RIGHTS GALA". touch.npaper-wehaa.com.
  4. ↑ "Dr. C.O. Simpkins (1925–2019) – North Louisiana Civil Rights Coalition".
  5. ↑ Johnson, Charles (December 5, 2019). "Shreveport's father of Civil Rights Dr. C. O. Simpkins dies". KOKA The Heart of Gospel.
  6. ↑ "PRESIDENT TRUMP SIGNS CASSIDY, JOHNSON BILL TO RENAME POST OFFICE AFTER DR. C.O. SIMPKINS SR. INTO LAW | Bossier Press-Tribune". bossierpress.com.
  7. ↑ https://www.congress.gov/116/plaws/publ204/PLAW-116publ204.pdf


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