Page 56 - DeKalb Bicentennial Flipbook

LUCIOUS SANDERS (1915-1993) PORTER SANFORD III (1941-2006)
Lucious Sanders Recreation Center in Lithonia bears the The Porter Sanford III Performing Arts & Community
name of the man who returned home from World War II Center in Decatur carries the name of the beloved
but was not allowed to vote. So began his life’s work for civil entrepreneur who founded the first minority-owned real
rights for everyone. He founded the Lithonia Civic League estate company in DeKalb County. One of Porter Sanford
to advance voter registration and to raise civic awareness III’s Clark Atlanta University professors suggested he
on equality.
get into real estate after he earned his BA in Business
He was the first Black member of the DeKalb County Parks
& Recreation Board, and he also worked to establish the Administration. Sanford Realty opened in 1965.
Lithonia Federal Credit Union, a Black-owned credit union. Porter is referenced as one of the leading individuals
His nieces and nephews remember being the first Black who inspired African Americans in DeKalb County to stay
children integrated in the school system and Uncle Lucious and succeed, and who helped DeKalb become an affluent
was right there with them on day one to register for the new county for Black Americans in the nation. He also served
school. He was a respected community leader whom many on the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners from 1994-
came to for leadership on the issues of the day. 1999 and many civic organizations during his lifetime.

54 Sp i rit o f D eK alb – B i centen n ial 1822-2022