Andrew DeGraffenreidt facts for kids

Andrew Degraffenreidt (born March 3, 1928 – died February 25, 2009) was an important teacher and politician. He is remembered as the first African-American commissioner in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Early Life and Education

Andrew DeGraffenreidt was born in Kansas City, Missouri. He grew up in Hollandale, Mississippi. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Chemistry. He studied at Tougaloo College in Mississippi. Later, he got a Master of Science degree in Zoology. This was from Pennsylvania State University in Pennsylvania.

Teaching Career

Andrew DeGraffenreidt started his career as a teacher. He taught biology at Dillard High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Later, he moved to Everglades Middle School. There, he taught and led the science department. He also helped create TV programs for schools. These programs taught about the important contributions of minority groups in the United States.

Becoming a City Commissioner

In 1973, Andrew DeGraffenreidt made history. He was elected as the first African-American city commissioner of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. A city commissioner is like a leader who helps run the city. He was part of the group that chose Virginia S. Young as mayor. She was the first woman to be mayor of Fort Lauderdale. She was also the first female mayor of a large city in Florida.

Key Achievements in Office

During his six years as commissioner, Andrew DeGraffenreidt worked hard.

• He helped create a Youth Advisory Board. This board gave young people a voice in city decisions.
• He worked to improve city roads and buildings.
• He pushed for more minority people to be hired in the city's police department.
• He played a big part in opening the Von D. Mizell Community Center. This center is in a historic Black neighborhood.
• He also became the first African-American superintendent of Parks for the city.

He left the commission in 1979.

After Leaving Office

After his time as commissioner, Andrew DeGraffenreidt continued to serve his community. The city of Fort Lauderdale honored him by naming the DeGraffenreidt Activity Center in Bass Park after him. He stayed active on the city's Parks, Recreation, and Beaches Advisory Board. He also worked with groups like the United Way. In 2002, he was named the city of Fort Lauderdale's "Honored Founder."

His Family

Andrew DeGraffenreidt's children have also achieved success. His son, Andrew DeGraffenreidt III, is a lawyer. He used to be the city attorney for Hollywood, Florida. His oldest daughter, Fredi Grace Mitchell, is a school guidance counselor in Atlanta, Georgia. His youngest daughter, Carol DeGraffenreidt, is a lawyer too. She works as an Assistant Attorney General in West Palm Beach, Florida.