Civil rights activist and Pittsburgh resident Alma Speed Fox has died

Longtime civil and human rights activist Alma Speed Fox of Pittsburgh has died.

A spokesperson for her church, the Historic Church of the Holy Cross Episcopal in Homewood, said Fox died Monday at age 98.

Her daughter, Muriel Fox Alim, confirmed the news Tuesday evening.

Alim said Fox died peacefully and with family. Services and funeral details have not been finalized.

Alim said everyone is focusing on the good that Fox has done.

“She lived a very full life and made a tremendous impact in so many ways,” Alim said. “Her legacy continues in so many different areas with so many people. It’s all about celebration. The impact that she’s made to advance things for so many people, there’s nothing but something to celebrate.”

Born in Cleveland, Fox made Pittsburgh her home in 1949 when she married Gerald Fox. She became involved in the Pittsburgh branch of the NAACP in the 1950s and served as its executive director from 1966-71.

Fox helped found the nonprofit Freedom Unlimited with other members of the NAACP.

She also served on the Pittsburgh Human Relations Commission from 1972-2002.

Alim said they have a very large family spanning several generations. Fox was a mother, step-mother and wore many other hats.

“As a mom, she was a great mom,” Alim said. “Nurturing, compassionate and a ‘This is the way it is’ (parenting style).”

Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey took to Twitter to offer condolences.

“My deepest condolences to the family (and) friends of Alma ‘Speed’ Fox,” Gainey said. “She is a civil rights icon who helped to transform the city of Pittsburgh,” the mayor said. “We Love You.”

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My deepest condolences to the family & friends of Alma “Speed” Fox. She is a Civil Rights Icon who helped to transform the City of Pittsburgh. We Love You ❤️ pic.twitter.com/lFfSZJfu4r

— Ed Gainey (@gainey_ed) January 25, 2022

Former Mayor Bill Peduto also tweeted about Fox’s passing.

“Pittsburgh lost a leader, a true freedom fighter, who trail blazed a path of civil rights (and) social justice throughout our region for over 50 years,” Peduto said. “Alma Speed Fox was a mentor (and) friend. An advisor (with a) warm smile (and) compassionate heart, she not only knew history, she made it.”

Peduto had presented Fox with a key to the city, the highest civilian honor, in October 2018.

Today, Pittsburgh lost a leader, a true freedom fighter, who trail blazed a path of civil rights & social justice throughout our region for over 50 years. Alma Speed Fox was a mentor & friend. An advisor w/a warm smile & compassionate heart, she not only knew history, she made it pic.twitter.com/E4bSv5brLF

— bill peduto (@billpeduto) January 25, 2022

Many others posted their thoughts and prayers on Fox’s Facebook page. Posts ranged from various photos and long paragraphs of condolences to the simplest message of Fox being missed.

Alim said the outpouring of support from the community and various public figures has been incredible and heartwarming.

People can send donations in lieu of flowers to Freedom Unlimited Inc., 2201 Wylie Ave., Pittsburgh, Pa 15219.