“Tonight, we say farewell to one of New York’s and this nation’s most influential African-American leaders – a man whom I am proud to have called a friend and mentor throughout my entire career,” Gov. Paterson said in a statement. “Percy Sutton was a trailblazer. … He will be missed but his legacy lives on through the next generations of African-Americans he inspired to pursue and fulfill their own dreams and ambitions.” An influential figure in New York politics, Sutton helped guide the careers of numerous black politicians.