Adam Clayton Powell, Jr.
Powell Began His Career As A Minister At Harlem's Abyssinian Baptist Church, ( Which His Father, Had Previously Pastored). During This Time He Fought For Fair Hiring Practices --- Particularly At Public Utilities, Transit Companies And The World's Fair. He Was A Controversial Political Figure For Most Of His Career, Due In Large Part To His Flamboyant Lifestyle.
On August 1, 1944, He Was Elected To The U.S. Congress, For The First Of 13 Consecutive Terms. He Was The First Black From New York To Ever Hold That Position. He Lost His Seat In 1970, After Being Charged With Misuse Of Position And Public Funds.
Before Being Unseated, Powell Made An Impact As Chairman Of The Education And Labor Committee --- Passing More Important Social Legislation Than Any Other Congressman In History --- Including, Minimum Wage Increases, Education And Training For The Hearing Impaired And Vocational Training And Standards For Wages And Work Hours.
Adam Clayton Powell Died April 4, 1972, From Prostatitis. He Was 63 Years Old.
" In Order For Black History To Live, We Must Continue To Breathe Life Into It." - Hubert Gaddy, Jr.