Ron Scott

DETROIT — Ron Scott, the founder of Detroit Coalition Against Police Brutality, died of cancer on Sunday. He was 68.

Scott was an outspoken advocate for civil rights. His group organized rallies and brought attention to violence by law enforcement agencies against citizens. The coalition notably opposed a measure to implement a stop-and-frisk policy in Detroit, which it considered unconstitutional. 

“Police departments and government officials around the nation are indicating their embarrassment at the ocean of bias and racism, lined in economic opportunism, that has come to flood our national conversation,” Scott wrote in a Detroit News column after the shooting of unarmed teenager Michael Brown in Ferguson.

Dertoit City Council President Brenda Jones said she is saddened by Scott’s loss.

“We will begin to remember not that you died, but you lived,” she wrote on Facebook. “And your life gave us beautiful memories to share. The Office of Detroit Council President Brenda Jones sends our deepest sympathy. May GOD bless your family.”

Arab American activist Linda Sarsour described Scott as a legend and a warrior. 

“Sad day. Rest in power Ron Scott,” she tweeted. 

Alexis Wiley, Duggan’s chief of staff, also paid tribute to Scott on social media. 

“Sorry to hear about the passing of Ron Scott. He dedicated his life to fighting for civil rights, pursuing justice and peace. #Detroit #RIP,” she tweeted.

Dawud Walid, the executive director of the Council on American Islamic Relations in Michigan, said he had the honor of working with Scott on police brutality cases.

“He was a fighter for justice,” Dawud wrote on Facebook.

“A sad day for peace and justice,” Tweeted Rana Elmir, deputy director of ACLU of Michigan.  “Ron Scott has passed, but the struggle continues.”