There's word this morning that Basil Paterson, the father of former Governor David Paterson has died. Newsdaysays he died Wednesday night at the age of 87.
Basil Paterson was a major figure in Harlem politics in New York City. He was a state senator who later gave up that seat to run unsuccessfully for Lieutenant Governor in 1970. Paterson later became Secretary of State of New York, the first black person in that job, serving until 1982.
Most recently, he was involved in a law practice.
His son, David Paterson, issued a statement calling his father a 'selfless leader' who dedicated his life to making sure others' lives were better.