Adam Clayton Powell, Jr.

Rev Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. (November 29 1908 – April 4 1972), American politician, was the first African American to become a powerful figure in the United States Congress. He was elected as house representative from Harlem in 1945, and became chair of the Labor and Education Committee in 1961. His tenure as commitee chairman saw the passage of important social legislation. His career was ended by a corruption scandal, and he was eventually replaced by Charles Rangel.

See also

• African Americans in the United States Congress