Ben Espy, a respected Ohio attorney and former state senator, left a lasting legacy in both the state and its capital city, Columbus. Espy, who passed away on January 4 at the age of 81 after a brief illness, was known for his groundbreaking career, which included being the first Black person to serve as president pro tem of the Columbus City Council and as minority leader of the Ohio Senate. Throughout his life, he worked to create opportunities and advocate for his community, leaving a profound impact.
Espy’s most notable contributions included founding Columbus’ Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration, now one of the largest in the nation, and creating the Columbus Youth Corps, which teaches ethics and professionalism to young people. He was also behind The Job Show, a municipal cable program that helped people find employment.
Espy’s work earned him recognition from both Democrats and Republicans, including being named as a top lieutenant by Democratic Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann in 2007 and delivering the keynote address at the swearing-in of Republican Maureen O’Connor as Ohio’s first female chief justice in 2009.
His legacy in Columbus was remembered by many, including local officials such as Mayor Andrew Ginther, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, and City Council President Shannon Hardin. Espy’s resilience was evident in his personal life as well, overcoming the loss of part of his leg after a freak accident in 1984 to continue his work for the community.
Espy’s dedication to public service and the people of Ohio will be remembered by all who were impacted by his work and his unwavering commitment to justice and equality.