Lucille Berrien, Milwaukee Civil Rights Leader, Dies at 98

Overview

• Local outlets reported that Lucille Berrien died at age 98 and was surrounded by family in her final moments.
• In 1972 she became the first African American woman to run for mayor of Milwaukee, a milestone cited across coverage.
• Berrien spent decades as a civil rights activist who worked with Father James Groppi, helped found the Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, and supported low-income families.
• Family members described her as a devoted grandmother and mentor, and the city has honored her with a park renamed in her honor in 2021 and a mural added in 2023.
• Paradise Memorial Funeral Home is managing the funeral and the family said visitation, memorial service and burial dates will be announced later while local tributes and further coverage are expected.