State mourns former senator, SHS grad

SANDUSKY — Local and state officials are paying tribute to a Sandusky High School graduate who went on to be a successful and barrier-breaking city and state lawmaker. Ben Espy, an attorney who served as a Democratic Ohio state senator for a decade in the 1990s and early 2000s, died on Jan. 4. He was 81. On Wednesday, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine ordered that all U.S. and state of Ohio flags be flown at half-staff at all public buildings and grounds throughout Franklin County in Espy's honor. State Senator Hearcel F. Craig, D-Columbus, was among many state officials who paid tribute to the former Democratic senator. "Senator Ben Espy was a visionary leader and mentor whose legacy will inspire generations," Craig said. "His unwavering dedication to justice and equality helped shape the course of Ohio's history. He not only opened doors for Black leaders but also worked tirelessly to ensure those doors remained open for future generations. His contributions to the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus and Ohio are immeasurable." A visionary leader Espy was born in Nashville, Tennessee, on July 12, 1943. "Shortly after his birth, the family relocated to Sandusky, Ohio and being the only boy and baby of the family, 'Little Bennie' as he was affectionately called, was doted on by his two older sisters, Rozene and Elaine," his obituary states. He graduated from Sandusky High School in 1961, participating in football and track, where he was recognized as an All-American. Subsequently, Espy continued his football career at Ohio State University, where he also obtained a degree in political science in 1965, according to his biography from the Ohio Statehouse. After graduating from Ohio State, he earned his Juris Doctorate from Howard University's School of Law in 1968. That year, Espy started his law career as a corporate lawyer at Allegheny Airlines in Washington, D.C. Soon after, he joined the U.S. Air Force as an assistant staff judge advocate at Hancock Field AFB in Syracuse, New York. Espy returned to Ohio in 1972 as deputy chief of the Civil Rights Division of the state attorney general's office. In 1974, he moved to the office's Division of Criminal Activities. From 1982 to 1992, he maintained his own law practice and served as president pro tem of the Columbus City Council. He was the first Black person to serve as president pro tem of the state capital's city council, the Associated Press reported. In 1991, Espy won his bid for the Ohio Senate and served as the assistant minority leader from 1994 to 1996, later upgrading as minority leader from 1996 to 2000. Espy later founded the Columbus Youth Corps, a job readiness program for inner-city youth. In addition to founding the Columbus Youth Corps, Espy created "The Job Show," a cable television program produced by the City of Columbus whose primary goal is to help people find jobs. The show received much praise and was named America's best municipal cable program in 1986 and 1987. Espy also established the annual City of Columbus' Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Celebration. Espy was preceded in death by his parents, sisters and wife of 54 years, Kathlynne Bruce Duffy. He is survived by four daughters and 11 grandchildren, his obituary states.