Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Carolyn Banks Obituary
A fourth-generation Atlantan, Banks was one of the founders of the Atlanta Student Movement, which helped energized Black college students here and across the nation to stage peaceful demonstrations aimed at ending legalized segregation in public facilities. She also worked with the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the Committee on Appeals for Human Rights, a manifesto that outlined the Black community's problems.
In 1980, Banks was appointed to the Atlanta City Council to succeed Marvin Arrington Sr., after he assumed the role of council president. She was re-elected several times and served as president of the National League of Cities in 1994. She left office in 1997.
Read more about Carolyn Long Banks on ajc;com
9 Entries
The Young Family (Adamsville)
July 13, 2023
My mother always spoke very highly of Mrs. Banks. She said that she helped my dad and her with an issue with the water company. She went over and beyond for the Atlanta community. She was a treasure to our city and she will be truly missed.
Michael E. Banks
April 19, 2023
Carolyn & James,
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of Carolyn, as you continue to reminisce joyful times together as you celebrate her life that was most certainly well lived.
Deacon Eugene Pitts
April 17, 2023
I recall meeting Ms.Carolyn Lo g Banks,in 1965 or 1966 at her mother's house.Mrs.R.C.Long and her uncle Mr.W.D.Long,taught at Carver Vocational High School.Later,I met Mr.Ralph Long,at Washington Park,through Branch Currington.She truly was a STRONG woman of stature in Atlanta Georgia. I would later meet and work with her children,April and James with the City of Atlanta Department of Corrections.She not only was a trailblazer but one who made a difference for the voiceless at a time when a voice was needed and heard.Thank you,Ms.Banks,for wearing many hats and speaking truth to power.James,April, stay together and look to the hills,from whence come your help.
Clyde Padgett, Captain, Atlanta Police, Ret.
April 17, 2023
God bless the family and friends of Carolyn Long Banks during this period of bereavement may the loss you feel at this time be replaced by wonderful memories shared with her. I knew this wonderful intelligent lady when she was Chairperson of the Public Safety Committee of the Atlanta City Council. She was a person that who was always concerned with matters involving public safety as they related to the to the needs of the police and and the community. Her positions and her decisions were always well founded. She was always friendly and congenial during our many contacts. We will miss her on this earth.
How you can show support
Tina Brown
April 14, 2023
My heart is so broken right now. Has been since I learned of her passing. I loved her when I truly first met her. I knew of her being President of Atlanta City Council for many years. Never thought that I would truly meet her. Found out after I truly met her through her son James (Jim Jim) as she and some others called him. Found out that my beloved Mother who is also deceased will be 8 years on the 24th, knew her. I truly loved me some Mrs Carolyn Long Banks. She was that kind of person. If you didn't like and love her then there was/is something wrong with you. The last time I saw her was when I was working at The C T Martin Rec Center and she came with her beautiful Granddaughter to Vote.I had a chance to talk with her then. After losing contact I still always would ask James about her through texts and would send her wishes on Holidays and her Birthday. As a matter of fact she came across my mind a couple of days before I learned of her passing. I was wondering why I could not sleep on Wednesday night until I saw her face/picture on the news screen. My heart dropped and tears did too. A EARTHLY ANGEL MATRIARCH IS NOW ANOTHER HEAVENLY ANGEL FIRST BLACK WOMAN PRESIDENT OF ATLANTA CITY COUNCIL MAMA CAROLYN LONG BANKS YOU WILL TRULY BE MISSED. TRULY MISSED. I THANK GOD FOR YOU TOUCHING MY LIFE AND BLESSING ME FOR TRULY MEETING YOU THROUGH MY CONNECTION WITH JAMES. TAKE YOUR PEACEFUL REST SWEET ANGEL I WILL FOREVER REMEMBER AND LOVE YOU MAMA CAROLYN LONG BANKS.
TINA BROWN
Gordon L. Joyner
April 14, 2023
THANK YOU SO MUCH, HONORABLE CAROLYN LONG BANKS, FOR YOUR COURAGEOUS CIVIL RIGHTS LEADERSHIP AND TIRELESS WORK, FOR YOUR CIVIC CONTRIBUTIONS AND PUBLIC SERVICE, AND FOR YOUR FRIENDSHIP AND SUPPORT. Gordon Joyner
Thomasene Blount Roberts & Asha Roberts Rashad
April 14, 2023
You will be sorely missed. I am thankful for our recent conversation and will remember it fondly. Our family will remember you as a part of our extended friends/family. Rest in well-deserved peace and tranquility!
Emmanuel Hall
April 14, 2023
The good deeds you did will keep your memory alive for generations to come. R.I.P. ole friend.
Cathy Douglas
April 14, 2023
"Aunt Carolyn" was funny, smart and family-oriented. While she was immensely successful in her career, I´ll always remember her love and affection for our family. I feel fortunate to have shared many good times with her because she always kept things interesting. I´m sending love and condolences to her immediate family and all of those who love her.
Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results
Make a Donation
in Carolyn Banks's name
How to support Carolyn's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Carolyn Banks's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more