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The man who once represented Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks has passed away after years of devoting his life to obtaining civil rights for his community.

Attorney Demetrius Newton died on Wednesday morning after a long illness. Rep. John Rogers of Birmingham, a longtime friend of Newton’s, was notified by his family.

The first black person to serve as speaker pro tem of the Alabama House, Newton was described as a polite man, well respected in the halls of the Statehouse.

Republican House Speaker Mike Hubbard of Auburn said Newton was so well-respected that even when Republicans took over the majority, the newly elected Caucus unanimously agreed that he should retain his seat in the front row of the Chamber, a seat normally reserved for members of Leadership.

“Rep. Newton was a true gentleman and I considered him to be a great friend for the 15 years that I had the honor of knowing him,” Hubbard said. He said Newton was “an intelligent, fair, and kind man as well as a respected and knowledgeable legislator who fought for his district. His 27 years of service to the Alabama Legislature and his incredible impact on the Civil Rights movement will forever be a powerful part of Alabama history.”

May he rest in peace.

SOURCE: Huffington Post