The Atlanta community is honoring Michael Langford with a series of events celebrating his life and legacy following his passing. An activist, community leader, and visionary, he was the United Youth Adult Conference president and served on the Atlanta Children’s Memorial Taskforce and the Anti-Violence Advisory Council.
“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.”
“Derek and I are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Michael Langford—one of Atlanta’s great leaders,” Bottoms said. “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.”
Today, ATL mayoral candidate Andre Dickens gave his remarks during a memorial for Michael Langford. Langford was an amazing and selfless community leader. Michael Langford died Nov. 16, 2021, of sarcoidosis at Emory Midtown Hospital. He was 63.
— The Atlanta Voice (@theatlantavoice) November 29, 2021
Video: Sarah-Elizabeth Langford pic.twitter.com/rqG1Fr5fn2
Andre Dickens paid his respects Sunday afternoon at the Arthur Langford, Jr. Skate Park.
“He believed in me a whole lot, particularly in his campaign for me, he believed in me, and he was there all the time,” said Dickens. “He was going to show up to our office and next morning to pick up a bunch of signs and send out the signs and we were we were waiting. And so, you know, we got the news and we all cry.”
His niece, Sarah-Elizabeth Langford, said her uncle was a servant leader that had a penchant for taking on difficult issues.
“I think, Michael’s deep, deep faith, and love of God has truly comforted my family,” Sarah-Elizabeth said. “Because we know that God has simply called him home to a more heavenly place. God said, he fought the good fight. He finished his race. He kept the faith. And now waiting for him is a crown of righteousness, that the Lord, a righteous judge will award to him. So if any of us here could be half as selfless as he was half of the servant leader that he was, will be all right and he will continue to smile down on us and be proud”
Today, Sarah-Elizabeth Langford pays respects to her uncle, Michael Langford, after he passed away Tuesday.
— The Atlanta Voice (@theatlantavoice) November 29, 2021
Langford notably was the United Youth Adult Conference president, served on the Atlanta Children’s Memorial Taskforce
Video courtesy: Sarah-Elizabeth Langford pic.twitter.com/bifEJJOJPG
A candlelight ceremony honoring his life was held Sunday, Nov. 28 at 4 p.m. at the Arthur Langford Jr. Skate Park, 1614 Arthur Langford Jr. Place SW.
A public viewing will be held Tuesday, Nov. 30 from noon-8 p.m. at Willie A. Watkins Funeral Home, 1003 Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard.
Celebration of life services will be held Wednesday, Dec. 1 at noon at West Hunter Street Baptist Church, 1040 Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard.
He will be interred at Lincoln Cemetery, 2275 Joseph E. Boone Boulevard NW.
Condolences may be sent to the Langford Family at 260 Taft Street, Atlanta, Ga. 30315.
In lieu of flowers, contributions should be made to Diversified Resolutions, 1718 Fairburn Road SW Atlanta, Ga. 30331, Memo – United Youth Adult Conference Programs.
