Milwaukee, WI — The Milwaukee community is mourning the loss of Jerry Ann Hamilton, a pioneering civil rights advocate and former president of the Milwaukee NAACP, who passed away last week at the age of 90 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Hamilton’s life was defined by her unwavering dedication to justice, equality, and the empowerment of Black communities across Wisconsin. As one of Milwaukee’s most influential civil rights voices, she led with courage, conviction, and a deep belief in the power of collective action.
During her tenure as president of the Milwaukee NAACP, Hamilton worked tirelessly to advance voting rights, educational equity, and fair housing, continuing the legacy of those who fought before her. Colleagues and community members remember her as a fierce yet compassionate leader — someone who never shied away from difficult conversations and who inspired others to stand up for what was right.
“Jerry Ann Hamilton was a pillar of strength and integrity,” said one longtime NAACP member. “Her leadership shaped the path for generations of advocates to follow. She never stopped believing in the promise of justice.”
Beyond her activism, Hamilton was also known for her warmth, wisdom, and mentorship. To those who knew her personally, she was not only a leader but a friend — someone who always made time to listen, encourage, and uplift others.
Her passing marks the end of an era for Milwaukee’s civil rights movement, but her legacy endures through the countless lives she touched and the progress she helped achieve.
Jerry Ann Hamilton will be remembered as a trailblazer, a voice for the voiceless, and a beacon of courage whose light will continue to guide the fight for equality.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by her family in the coming days.