NEW JERSEY'S FIRST BLACK ELECTED TO CONGRESS DIES (1404 hits)
YOUR NATIONAL NEWS Source: NYT MARCH 2012 5th Day Livington, New Jersey
Donald M. Payne was the first Black elected to Congress from New Jersey and also was a former leader of the Congressional Black Caucus. Payne died on Tuesday, March 05, 2012 after complications involving colon cancer. Payne was elected in 1974 making him a first Black in New Jersey to be elected to Congress. He served on the Black Caucus from 1995-1997. Payne was also an educator and graduate of Seton Hall University. Payne was in his 12th term as Congressman and it was his intention to run for re-election when he passed away at age 77.
