TULSA, Okla. — Bobby Eaton, a civil rights icon in Tulsa, passed away at age 90 on May 14, his son said.
2 News Oklahoma spoke with Eaton about his experiences in 2020. During the interview, Eaton said he remembers his and his friend's fight "like it was yesterday."
WATCH: Bobby Eaton Sr. dies after passing of fellow Tulsa civil rights icon Don Ross:
"I didn't join the Civil Rights Movement," Eaton said at the time. "I was the Civil Rights Movement as was most Black folk on this side of town."
During his life, Eaton fought to improve areas and communities in north Tulsa.
“My dad always said, ‘When I pass, I just want everybody to know that I just tried to help someone,” Bobby Eaton Jr. told 2 News Oklahoma.
Former state Rep. Don Ross died on May 5, according to his son, current District 73 Rep. Ed Ross. Memorial services are scheduled for May 23 at First Baptist Church.
A frame of both Eaton and Ross pictured together with other civil rights protesters is inside the younger Eaton's community radio station, KBOB.
“Rep. Don Ross came in there, Bernard McEntire, Homer Johnson, all these iconic African-American men,” Eaton Jr. said on May 14. “Good trouble, just like John Lewis said.”
WATCH: Extended interview with Bobby Eaton Jr. after his father passes way:
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Extended interview with civil rights leaders son after Bobby Eaton dies.mp4
The Office of Mayor Monroe Nichols shared a statement from the mayor with 2 News:
“Heartbroken and saddened to learn of the passing of Bobby Eaton Sr. - a prominent community leader and friend.
Affectionately known as 'Poppa E,' his work for decades in North Tulsa brought the entire community together. From his family's historic Greenwood barbershop to his lifelong dedication to preserving Black Wall Street, his impact on this city will never be forgotten.
Sending love and prayers to the Eaton family.”
Eaton Sr. sold the old barber shop building just weeks ago. However, his son said his and Rep. Ross' mission is alive and well, but needs help.
"A lot of times we think we’ve made it and everything is OK, and everything is fine," Eaton Jr. said. "But it’s not. You know? We've still got a long ways to go to equal out the playing field.”
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