Rep. Donald Payne NJ’s First Black Congressman dies
http://thyblackman.com/2012/03/06/rep-donald-payne-njs-first-black-congressman-dies/
Rep. Donald Payne: Remembering New Jersey’s First African-American Member of Congress
(ThyBlackMan.com) For someone who made history as his state’s first African-American to serve in Congress and developed an international reputation for his work in support of Africa, Donald Payne was a pretty unassuming man. He didn’t have the flash of a Charlie Rangel or the fire of a Maxine Waters, but he held himself with a quiet dignity that made you respect him even if you disagreed with him on an issue. It is what set Rep. Donald Payne apart and it is what many will remember him for when they reflect on his life and achievements.
This morning the 77 year-old Donald Payne lost his battle with colon cancer and passed away in hospice care. The congressman had returned to New Jersey on Friday and was rushed to a hospital outside Newark as his condition worsened. Rep. Donald Payne served the 10th congressional district in New Jersey for 23 years and at the time of his death was chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, the not-for-profit public policy research organization in the nation’s capital.
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Donald Payne was a public servant; his life was dedicated to improving the welfare of others and bringing hope and prosperity to sub-Saharan Africa. A former public school teacher, Newark City Council member and Essex County Freeholder (elected official), Donald Payne turned his attention to Congress as his city was undergoing a racial transformation. In 1988 he was elected to the House of Representatives to the district that had been served for many years by the legendary Rep. Peter Rodino, after two unsuccessful attempts to seek the seat in the past. As Rodino stepped aside, Donald Payne was the de facto next in line and went on to win re-election to Congress 11 times. He was prepared to run again in November and recently indicated his intention to seek another term.
Written By: Walter Fields
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