Former Phoenix city councilman Calvin Goode passes away at age 93

PHOENIX — Former Phoenix city councilman and civil rights activist Calvin C. Goode passed away at the age of 93 on Wednesday.

Goode was Phoenix’s longest serving city councilman, serving 11 consecutive terms for a total 22 years.

He was also Phoenix’s second African American councilmember.

Goode attended Carver High School, the only high school in Arizona for African American students at the time, and graduated in 1945. He went on to attend Phoenix College before earning a business degree and later a Master’s degree from Arizona State University.

In 1954, Goode was hired by the Phoenix Union High School District, working a total of 30 years there before running city council.

During his time as a councilmember, Goode worked to address issues surrounding disadvantaged youth, minority-owned businesses and impoverished areas of the community.

He retired in 1994.

Goode continued his work in education after retiring by serving on the Phoenix Elementary School Board for six years.

Multiple Phoenix city councilmembers and politicians sent their condolences to Goode’s family and remembered the impact he had on Arizona:

“His kindness and generosity were legendary, as was his commitment to Phoenix, his brothers and sisters in the African American community, and to education,” Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said in a tweet.

On behalf of the City of Phoenix, I share our deepest condolences with the family of Former Councilman and Vice Mayor Calvin C. Goode.

Flags in Phoenix will be lowered to half staff in remembrance of the Former Councilman. pic.twitter.com/SVkiXo5ppY

— Mayor Kate Gallego (@MayorGallego) December 24, 2020

“Mr. Goode was a soft-spoken man, but lion-hearted — an unshakeable force for progress, equality and civil rights,” Arizona House Democratic Leader Reginald Bolding said. “Over the span of six decades, he changed his city and our community for the better in countless, immeasurable ways.”

Today we lost a living legend. His legacy will live beyond us all. Truly an honor to have called Vice Mayor Calvin C.Goode a mentor, friend, and leader. https://t.co/WGHQWV30uJ

— Rep Reginald Bolding (@reginaldbolding) December 24, 2020

“During his 22 years on the Phoenix City Council and beyond, Goode was an advocate for youth, minorities and the entire community. His many contributions have made Phoenix better. He will be greatly missed and remembered,” Councilwoman Debra Stark said in a statement.

My statement on the passing of former Councilman Calvin C. Goode. pic.twitter.com/eTEyGTLxHf

— Debra Stark (@DebraStarkPHX) December 24, 2020

Councilman Sal DiCiccio said:

“Calvin Goode was a great man who provided inspiration for all of us. He was a real leader in the city of Phoenix. Very sad to see him pass and I want to extend my deepest sympathies to his family.”

U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego released a statement saying:

“For more than five decades, Calvin tirelessly served our community, first in our schools and then in City Hall. He took tough stances and fought with courage to improve the city he loved- despite the fact that our city and community hadn’t always treated him and those who looked like him or shared his background with fairness and equity.”

Councilwoman Thelda Williams tweeted that Goode “championed many programs that still touch the lives of Phoenicians today.”

My statement on the passing of former Councilman Calvin C. Goode: pic.twitter.com/vyAwSrVsu2

— Vice Mayor Thelda Williams (@TheldaWilliams1) December 24, 2020

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