Lucille Berrien, courageous community leader, passes away

Lucille Berrien, courageous community leader, passes away
Lucille Berrien, a long@me community leader, political organizer, and beloved family matriarch, passed away on Friday, May 22, 2026, surrounded by family. Berrien was 98 years young.

Berrien was the first Black woman to run for mayor of Milwaukee in 1972 and worked alongside Father James Groppi during Milwaukee’s fair housing marches and civil rights movement. She was also a former member of the Black Panther Party and helped found the Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression.

Beyond politics and protest lines, Berrien spent decades serving low-income families and welfare recipients while fostering more than 90 children.

In an interview with TMJ4 News Berrien’s first granddaughter, Faithe Colas said, “To have my grandmother be part of the fair housing marches in Milwaukee, to be part of Milwaukee’s civil rights movement, empowering mothers on welfare — how could you not appreciate someone’s passion.”

Family members said Berrien’s passion for helping others was rooted in her faith and belief in service. Colas described her grandmother as a woman who constantly reminded people to love one another, respect each other and continue working together even through disagreement.

“She was a woman of God,” Colas explained. “She believed in the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. She believed you have to love like Jesus, do like Jesus and treat people the way you want to be treated. She believed in dignity and respect.”

Her family, friends, and the many communities she served mourn her loss.

Funeral and memorial arrangements are being handled by Paradise Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Services. Visitation, memorial service, and burial information to be announced.