Edward Kirkland, civic activist, dies at 54

He was active in voter registration, worked with youths and assisted with political campaigns.

By CRAIG BASSE

© St. Petersburg Times, published July 15, 2000

ST. PETERSBURG -- Edward "Ed" Kirkland, a political activist and volunteer for civic causes, has died at 54.

Mr. Kirkland, known as "Pop," died Thursday (July 13, 2000) at St. Anthony's Hospital. He had suffered liver problems for about four years but the exact cause of his death was not announced, his sister, Frances Stockton, said Friday.

Though legally blind since 1979, the former public school employee kept active in voter registration drives, worked as a youth coordinator for government agencies and bolstered political campaigns.

"His handicap was just a slight inconvenience," said Ernest L. Fillyau, a former St. Petersburg City Council member who said Mr. Kirkland worked on his first campaign. He could sit at a telephone and do more than most sighted supporters, Fillyau said.

"He was one of my inspirations. He had the pulse of the ordinary citizen. He gave us advice on our campaigns on what the issues were. Just about every African-American politician who has gone through here and been successful had the blessing of Kirkland."

He also helped in cleanups in southern St. Petersburg and with AIDS education in the African-American community.

"He had a genuine love and concern for people, for the St. Petersburg community, especially the youth," said St. Petersburg police Chief Goliath Davis III. He had known Mr. Kirkland since the chief's childhood in the black community known as Methodist Town.

"He was constantly seeking me out to speak before youth groups," Davis said Friday. "He was active in trying to get employment for individuals in need. He served on the Work Force Board and in Crime Watch.

"Although he was physically challenged in terms of his sight, he didn't let that deter him. He was active, involved and concerned."

In 1996, Mr. Kirkland was honored for his volunteer and civil rights work at a breakfast that drew such political figures as Fillyau, state Rep. Rudy Bradley and former state Secretary of Labor and Education Commissioner Doug Jamerson.

"Ed was was a consummate community civic activist," Jamerson said of his lifelong friend. "He worked tirelessly for a lot of people."

Survivors in addition to his sister include two nieces, Charisse Stockton, St. Petersburg, and Garland Stockton, Miami; and three grandnieces.

Creal Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

- Information from Times files was used in this obituary.

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