Vincent Fort had one request of his family before he died of compilations from cancer last month: that the Connecticut native be buried in the state he considered his true home, Georgia.
“He loved this city and he loved this state — even though he wasn’t born here — he called this his home,” his son, Zan Fort, told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “He told me specifically: ‘Bury me in Georgia; bury me in Atlanta.’
“So that’s exactly what we’re going to do.”
Fort lies in state in the old council chambers at Atlanta City Hall on Friday. It’s an honor that not many politicians are given. The last politician to have a public viewing in the city building was former Superior Court judge and Atlanta City Council president Marvin Arrington Sr. in 2023.
Credit: Bita Honarvar
Credit: Bita Honarvar
The former state senator and champion of liberal policies died in December of complications from cancer at 68 years old. Fort is remembered as a fearless politician, unafraid to challenge anyone when he felt they were failing Georgians.
His life was dedicated to defending working families and minority residents — from leading a crackdown on predatory lending laws to spearheading Georgia’s first hate-crimes bill.
“He centered the least among us,” Zan Fort said as family and city leaders kicked off a number of funeral events to celebrate his life and legacy.
Credit: Bita Honarvar
Credit: Bita Honarvar
Fort carved out a long, liberal record under the Gold Dome, where he served from his 1996 election until 2017, when he stepped down to launch an unsuccessful bid for Atlanta mayor, and then the U.S. Senate. Despite his losses, Fort stayed involved in city politics as an adviser to Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens.
“We are here to honor a public servant among us,” Dickens said as he stood next to the casket. “One who has given so much, to so many, for so long.”
Fort’s family and colleagues in the Georgia Legislature said that out of all the advice he impressed upon them, he always asked that they “be courageous.” Fellow state Democrats shared stories of Fort pouring over GOP-led bills to stand up against them on the Senate floor.
When he took to the well, a hush was often cast over the chamber.
“He mentored so many legislators,” said Sen. Gail Davenport, D-Jonesboro. “But more importantly, you can always count on Sen. Fort for advocating for freedom, justice and equality.”
Credit: Bita Honarvar
Credit: Bita Honarvar
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