Former Georgia State Senator Vincent Fort Honored with Public and Private Services

Former state Senator Vincent Fort, who passed away late December 2024 at the age of 68 from complications due to cancer, is being remembered for his lifelong commitment to progressive policies and advocacy for vulnerable Georgians. Fort, a fearless politician known for challenging the status quo, left an enduring legacy in Georgia, particularly in his fight against predatory lending laws and efforts to protect working families and minority communities.

His final arrangements reflect the high regard in which he was held. Fort lied in state at Atlanta City Hall on Friday, January 5, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., in the Sam A. Massell Council Chamber. It is a rare honor, as the last politician to have a public viewing there was former Atlanta City Council President Marvin Arrington Sr. in 2023.

Fort’s family, friends, and city leaders paid tribute to his service and dedication to the people of Georgia. His son, Zan Fort, shared that his father had one final request before he passed: to be buried in Georgia, the state he loved and considered his true home. “Bury me in Georgia; bury me in Atlanta,” Fort had said.

On January 5, Fort’s family held a private service and Masonic last rites at the Historic West End Chapel of Willie A. Watkins Funeral Home. 

On Saturday, January 6, a public celebration of Fort’s life took place at Lindsay Street Baptist Church followed by his burial at South-View Cemetery. 

Vincent Fort, who served as a Georgia State Senator from 1996 until 2017, is remembered for his powerful contributions to the state and his unwavering advocacy for the vulnerable. First elected to represent the 39th District, which covers parts of Atlanta, East Point, College Park, Union City, and unincorporated Fulton County, Fort was reelected 10 times during his tenure.

Fort’s political career was marked by his leadership and service in multiple capacities. As a member of numerous influential committees—including Appropriations, Judiciary-Civil, Judiciary-Criminal, Education and Youth, Reapportionment and Redistricting, Interstate Cooperation, Urban Affairs, and MARTA Oversight—he played a significant role in shaping policies that affected Georgia’s future. Additionally, he was the Democratic Whip in the State Senate and chaired the Retirement Committee, Interstate Cooperation Committee, and the Fulton County Senate Delegation.

Among his many accomplishments, Fort authored Georgia’s first hate crimes law in 2001, which provided enhanced penalties for those who targeted victims due to bias or prejudice. This law marked a major step forward in protecting marginalized communities from discrimination and violence. In the same year, Fort authored groundbreaking legislation to combat predatory lending, which became the foundation for Georgia’s stronger predatory lending laws, passed in 2002. These laws helped curb abusive practices in the lending industry and gained Fort national recognition as a leader in the fight against predatory lending and foreclosures. Additionally, Fort pushed for policies to improve housing accessibility for the disabled, ensuring that all Georgians had equal access to safe and secure housing.

Fort’s commitment to education was also evident in his securing $40 million in funding for building improvements at Atlanta Technical College and Atlanta Metropolitan College, furthering his dedication to strengthening the educational infrastructure in Georgia.

Fort’s legacy is one of courageous leadership, fighting for the rights and dignity of all Georgians, especially those who were often overlooked or underserved. His efforts on behalf of working families, minorities, and the disabled left an indelible mark on the state and nation, and his dedication to justice and equality will continue to inspire future generations.

As Atlantans and the state honor his life, Fort’s legacy remains one of courage and unwavering commitment to justice. His passing is mourned by many, and his memory will be celebrated by those whose lives he touched throughout his political career.