JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Governor Tate Reeves ordered flags to be lowered at half-staff in honor of late Mississippi Rep. Robert G. Clark.

“Representative Robert Clark was a devoted public servant and trailblazing leader who made our state better. His unwavering commitment to Mississippi will always be remembered. To honor his legacy, I directed flags to be lowered at half-staff from sunrise to sunset tomorrow (March 11),” said Reeves.

Clark was elected in 1967 as Mississippi’s first Black lawmaker of the 20th century and rose to the second-highest leadership role in the state House of Representatives.

Clark died March 4 at age 96, his son said. Rep. Bryant Clark, who succeeded Robert Clark, said his father died of natural causes at home in Holmes County.

A lifelong advocate for education and Black representation in government, he played a pivotal role in expanding opportunities for all Mississippians. Honored at the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in 2018, Clark’s legacy is one of resilience and progress.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.