William Winter, "who championed education initiatives, job creation, and racial harmony throughout his life," died Friday at age 97, his family said. Winter's alma mater, the University of Mississippi, said on Twitter that he had been "a pillar of racial reconciliation and champion for Mississippi." Winter was part of an effort to remove the Confederate battle emblem from the Mississippi state flag through a statewide referendum in 2001. Winter expanded that work for racial harmony with the creation of the Winter Institute for Racial Reconciliation, the family statement said. Winter is survived by his wife of 70 years, Elise Varner Winter; three daughters Anne Winter, Lele Gillespie and Eleanor Winter and five grandchildren, according to the statement.

Source: CNN December 19, 2020 21:49 UTC