MS SC600

Isaiah Madison, retired Jackson State University Political Science Professor and civil rights attorney, passed away on March 1, 2012, at age 71.

Madison researched and prepared the 1975 lawsuit accusing Mississippi of underfunding historically black universities (Jackson State, Mississippi Valley State, and Alcorn State), resulting in a $503 million settlement.

Madison served as lead attorney in developing the Ayers Case and founding chairman of the Black Mississippians' Council on Higher Education, the grassroots organization that supported the desegregation effort.

Madison held degrees including a Juris Doctorate from Howard University and Master's degrees in Political Science and Theology, and taught at Southern University and Howard University School of Law before joining Jackson State.

The Legislature mourns Madison's death and commends his life's contributions to equality and civil rights, extending sympathy to his surviving family members.