Share

Adam Clayton Powell Jr. biography

1 photo

Quick Facts

  • PLACE OF BIRTH: New Haven, D.C.
  • PLACE OF DEATH: Miami, Florida
more about Adam

Best Known For

Adam Clayton Powell Jr. was a black American public official and pastor who became a prominent liberal legislator and civil-rights leader.


Profile

Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. was born Nov. 29, 1908, in New Haven, Conn. He built a formidable public following in Harlem through his crusades for jobs and housing for the poor. He won election to the New York City Council in 1941, becoming the first black man to serve on that body. In 1945 he won election to the U.S. House of Representatives. There he began a long fight against racial segregation.

© 2012 A+E Networks. All rights reserved.

Profile Connections
    Show More Connections
    Included In These Groups
    • Famous Harlem Residents

      After the Civil War, many of the country's best and brightest black advocates, artists, entrepreneurs and intellectuals moved to the New York City neighborhood of Harlem. Thanks largely to the efforts of these residents, Harlem became both the cradle of a cultural revolution and the heart of the civil rights movement. Meet some of the many people who gave—and continue to give—this neighborhood a voice, simply by calling it home.

      View group

      Famous Harlem Residents 62 people in this group

    • Famous Sagittarians 509 people in this group

    • Famous Black Activists

      African-Americans have a long history of activism in America, from fighting for the right to vote to pushing for integrated public spaces. Activists like Stokely Carmichael organized freedom rides, James Meredith fought to integrate blacks and whites at the University of Mississippi, and Rosa Parks instigated the Montgomery Bus Boycott. These protests were often legal and nonviolent, and made a powerful impact on civil rights in the U.S. With the help of activists like these—and many others—the country slowly worked to acknowledge the basic rights and contributions of African-Americans. Learn more about the many African-American activists who fought against the odds in order to achieve equality.

      View group

      Famous Black Activists 118 people in this group

    See all related groups

    ADVERTISEMENT
    9445619 9445619
    profile id: 9445619
    profile name: Adam Clayton Powell Jr.
    profile occupation:
    related profile id: 9445619
    related profile name: Adam Clayton Powell Jr.
    related profile occupation:
    related profile img: /imported/images/Biography/Images/Profiles/P/AdamClayton-PowellJr-9445619-1-402.jpg
    related profile URL: /people/adam-clayton-powell-jr-9445619
    profile
    pop
    Your Connections

    Sign in with Facebook to see how you and your friends are connected to famous icons.

    specific profile connection
    Your Friends' Connections
    specific friend connection

    Celebrity Connections

    Show More Connections
    Fact Check: We strive for accuracy and fairness. If you see something that doesn't look right, contact us!