“It is with deep sadness that I extend my condolences to the family, loved ones and friends of Basil Paterson. Basil was a trailblazer, serving as New York’s first African-American Secretary of State, and his strength and leadership was essential in the fight to make New York into a better and more equal state. He was a bold public figure who inspired a generation to follow in his footsteps, most notably our former Senate Democratic leader, and the 55th governor of New York State, Basil’s son David A. Paterson. Basil will be sorely missed but his legacy will live on and continue to make New York a better state for our children and their children.”