Atlanta community leader Michael Langford passes away

Long-time community advocate and community leader Michael Langford passed away this week at the age of 63. His deeds in the neighborhoods of Atlanta began with Michael working alongside his brother, the late Georgia State Senator Arthur Langford.

Michael was highly respected and loved by the Atlanta community for his decades of involvement in the betterment of the city. He was also a long-time advocate for justice in the Atlanta Child Murders. 

At the time of his death, Michael served as the United Youth Adult Conference President. With a rich history in civil service, he also worked on the Atlanta Children’s Memorial Taskforce and served on Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms’ Anti-Violence Advisory Council.

Among those offering condolences this week were Bottoms who said, “Derek and I are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Michael Langford—one of Atlanta’s great leaders. Michael’s quiet spirit of service served as a model for advocacy and community engagement. Whenever I called on him, he was there to help, including serving on the Atlanta Children’s Memorial Taskforce and on the Anti-Violence Advisory Council. Michael gave his all to this city. He will be missed. Our prayers are with his family and everyone who loved him.”

Members of the Atlanta City Council also offer a statement on Langford’s passing saying, “Michael Langford was a pillar in the community. As president of the United Youth Adult Conference, he inspired countless others and was a vocal advocate for equity and inclusion. His service on the City of Atlanta’s Anti-Violence Advisory Council helped to increase awareness and engagement and empowered our community to improve the lives of children and families. As part of the Atlanta Child Murders investigation, he led search missions for the missing children and most recently served on the Atlanta Children’s Memorial Taskforce. He leaves an enduring legacy in Atlanta and will be remembered as a leader and a man of upright character. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends as we mourn his loss.”

According to family friends, Michael suffered from sarcoidosis, an inflammatory disease that affects multiple organs in the body, but mostly the lungs and lymph glands. 

A Celebration of Life Service for Langford will be Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at 12:00 Noon at West Hunter Street Baptist Church. A public viewing will be Tuesday, November 30, 2021 from 2:00PM-6:00PM at Willie A. Watkins Historic West End Chapel, 1003 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd. in Atlanta.

Michael is survived by his four children.