DETROIT, Mich., Oct. 10, 2024 — Former state Rep. Edward “Ed” Vaughn died at the age of 90 in Detroit this week. Vaughn served in the House of Representatives from Jan. 10, 1979, to Dec. 31, 1980. In 1994, he won another election to the state House and represented the then 4th House District from Jan. 11, 1995, until reaching term limits, Dec. 31, 2000. In response to the news of his passing, various House Detroit Caucus Members, paid their respects.

“I’m sorrowful to learn of the news of Rep. Vaughn’s passing. The legacy of Rep. Vaughn looms large in the halls of the House, known for his fearless and tenacious fight for Detroiters in Lansing. Rep. Vaughn’s legacy for better public education and economic development will be remembered by Detroiters for generations. The family, loved ones and friends of Rep. Vaughn have my deepest sympathy,” said Speaker of the House Joe Tate (D-Detroit).

Vaughn moved to Detroit from Alabama, migrating from the South, like most Blacks during the 1950s and 1960s, looking for work at the auto plants, he found work instead as an entrepreneur and public servant in the civil rights movement when he opened his bookstore.

“As a Detroiter, the name Rep. Ed Vaughn garners nothing but deep esteem and respect. Vaughn’s bookstore was the first Black-owned bookstore in the city and during the 50s and 60s, his place was a refuge for strategy, education and community for Detroiters and others, playing a vital role in the Black Power Movement. Rep. Vaughn will be sorely missed by his family and friends, those of us who had the pleasure to know him, and by the city of Detroit he so loved,” said state Rep. Tyrone Carter (D-Detroit), Detroit Caucus chair.

Vaughn founded the Pan-African Congress-USA in Detroit during the 60s, before taking office, making the case through the group for connecting across the African diaspora for political, economic and social survival.

“I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former state Rep. Ed Vaughn. As a former legislative staffer in the 1990s, I remember Rep. Vaughn for being a focused fighter for Black Detroiters and our beloved city. He was known and revered by many for putting people before partisanship. Rep. Vaughn’s life is a testimony of determination in the pursuit of justice and protecting our civil rights. Detroit lost a legend and an icon in the history of Black culture and public service. My prayers for comfort and peace are with his family and friends,” said state Rep. Stephanie A. Young, (D-Detroit), Detroit Caucus treasurer.

In the 1960s, Vaughn helped organize the Detroit chapter of the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) and worked closely with other leaders in the fight for civil rights, even working with Malcolm X during the course of his advocacy.

“Rep. Vaughn will be remembered as an indelible businessman, owner of Vaughn’s Books, a neighborhood staple on Dexter street. As the story goes, Rep. Vaughn’s search for a book led to sharing his interest in African/African-American literature with others, eventually selling books out of the back of his trunk before opening his store. We will remember his work uplifting Black authors and for championing literacy in African literature specifically, throughout the city,” said state Rep. Helena Scott (D-Detroit), Detroit Caucus vice president.

In 2019, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History honored Vaughn with the Freedom Award for his lifetime of service to the community. The Freedom Award is presented by the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in partnership with Ford Motor Company, celebrating individuals whose achievements have brought lasting and positive change for African Americans and the world.

“The news about the passing of Rep. Ed Vaughn was sad to hear. His love for Black people and the city of Detroit was backed up in all his actions, fueled by his beliefs that Black people deserve justice and access to prosperity. Rep. Vaughn’s contributions in the national spotlight during the Black Power Movement reminds the world of Detroit’s allure and promise of Black prosperity and possibilities. He was a giant in the community and his legacy will live on in all our hearts,” said state Rep. Donavan McKinney, (D-Detroit), Detroit Caucus secretary.

Vaughn passed down his love for Detroit to his six grown children, some of whom are business owners in Detroit and Atlanta.

“There’s no place like Detroit, and there will never be another Ed Vaughn. Well after closing his bookstore and serving in the House, he continued to educate and advocate for equality, including for reparations. Rep. Vaughn was never afraid to speak up and speak his mind. Detroit will never forget him for his entrepreneurship and selfless dedication to public service,” said state Rep. Kimberly Edwards (D-East Pointe), Detroit Caucus member.

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