UNLV's chapter of the NAACP and the African American studies department will host a lecture by Dr. Adam Clayton Powell, IV on the legacy of his late grandfather, pioneering African-American politician Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. on Thursday, April 27 at 11:00 a.m. The presentation, which is free and open to the public, will be held in Room 201 of the Moyer Student Union.
Born in New Haven Conn. Powell, Jr. was raised the son of a prominent Baptist minister in the Harlem area of New York City. From a young age, he worked as an advocate mobilizing his community, eventually becoming a prominent civil rights leader. Shortly after succeeding his father as minister at one of New York City's largest churches, Powell was elected in 1941 to the New York City Council, becoming its first African-American member.
In 1945, Powell again broke a color barrier, as he was elected the first African-American United States Congressman for New York, and indeed the first black congressman from any Northern state other than Illinois. During his 24 years in the US House of Representatives Powell dedicated much of his time fighting for racial equality. Additionally, as chairman of the Education and Labor Committee, he worked to reform access to education and employment for all Americans.
For more information contact UNLV Public Affairs at 702-895-3102.
