Thomas “Tommy” Dortch, Jr., 72, – an Atlanta businessman, community advocate, mentor and trailblazer has died.
Dortch was the former chairman of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation (NCBCP) and the 100 Black Men of America, Inc. He was also a successful businessman including at his consulting firm TWD, Inc.
Among Dortch’s extensive accomplishments, he also invested in Georgia’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities – including Clark Atlanta University. Last week, Rep. Nikema Williams recognized Dortch on the U.S. House floor – introducing legislation and advocating for him to receive a Congressional Gold Medal for his contributions, which have made an impact across the country.
Dortch founded the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame and led the foundation to award over $1 million in grants and scholarships to students, which helped expose more than half a million students to college opportunities, Rep. Williams said.
“Tommy devoted his life to mentoring Black boys and girls, supporting Historically Black Colleges & Universities, advocating for Black political empowerment, building institutions in support of the movement to increase economic mobility and access to greater opportunities for all, and so much more,” a statement from the NCBCP said in part.
Dortch is survived by his wife, Carole; five children, Bridgette, Mark, Thomas (Jeniece) III, Angel, and Mulu (Zelealem); 14 grandchildren; and sisters, Juanita Dortch Nickens and Marie Dortch Lucas; and a host of other relatives. Tommy was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas W. Dortch Sr. and Lizzie Mae Dortch; and siblings, John Edward Dortch (brother), Richard Wesley Dortch (brother), and Carolyn Dortch Kessler (sister).
The services for Tommy W. Dortch, Jr. was held on Saturday, February 25, 2023 at 11:00 AM, at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to: Thomas W. Dortch, Jr. Foundation or National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 42118, Atlanta, GA 30311.
Read the full obituary HERE.
