Willis Edwards | Civil rights activist, 66

Willis Edwards, 66, a civil rights and political activist in Los Angeles and the former leader of the Beverly Hills-Hollywood branch of the NAACP has died of cancer. He died Friday at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center, a hospital spokeswoman confirmed.

Mr. Edwards was well known in local and national black and Democratic Party circles as a brash yet endearing "fixer" who worked on many elections. He was able to charm and push his way through potential roadblocks to make crucial introductions or maneuver someone he admired into the best photo opportunity. He played an important role in securing national honors for civil rights hero Rosa Parks late in her life and seating her next to Hillary Rodham Clinton when President Bill Clinton delivered the 1999 State of the Union address.

Beyond racial discrimination, Mr. Edwards fought another battle later in life. He nearly died of AIDS 15 years ago, at a time when even some people in the civil rights movement considered HIV a taboo subject.

Mr. Edwards is survived by a sister, Brenda, and a brother, Frank, along with nieces and nephews. - L.A. Times