July 09, 2009

The Delaware State University community is mourning with the rest of the state following the death of Littleton P. Mitchell, a former long time state NAACP president and staunch civil rights activist.

Littleton Mitchell is shown in the late 1990s with the Joseph P. Del Tufo Achievement Award for Distinguished Service to Humanities — one of many awards he received in recognition of his dedicated work in civil rights.

DSU Acting President Claibourne D. Smith said Mr. Mitchell has been a long time friend of Delaware State University who will be missed greatly.

Littleton Mitchell is shown in the late 1990s with the Joseph P. Del Tufo Achievement Award for Distinguished Service to Humanities—one of many awards he received in recognition of his dedicated work in civil rights.

“Littleton Mitchell served as an informal counsel to the DSU Board of Trustees and in particular to (interim DSU board chairman) Dr. John Land,” said Dr. Smith, who also served as the DSU board president from 1993-2008. “On behalf of the board and the DSU family, I can say that an absolute civil rights giant and long time supporter of DSU has been lost.

Mr. Mitchell, 90, died Monday, July 6 from injuries sustained in a car accident that took place earlier that afternoon near his home in Delaware City.

A native of Milford, Delaware, the former teacher is most prominently known for his 30 years of advocacy and leadership as president of the Delaware Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Over the years, he was honored with numerous awards that recognized his unwavering commitment to human and civil rights.

Last April the New Castle County Chapter of the DSU Alumni Association recognized Mr. Littleton for his commitment and service to the community and the state, as well as his service to the country as a Tuskegee Airman.