Charles Hayes (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Hayes
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois's 1st district |
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| In office August 23, 1983 – January 3, 1993 |
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| Preceded by | Harold Washington |
| Succeeded by | Bobby Rush |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Charles Arthur Hayes
February 17, 1918 Cairo, Illinois, U.S. |
| Died | April 8, 1997 (aged 79) Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
Charles Arthur Hayes (born February 17, 1918 – died April 8, 1997) was an American politician. He served in the United States House of Representatives for Illinois from 1983 to 1993. He represented the 1st Congressional District of Illinois.
Contents
Early Life and Union Work
Charles Hayes was born in Cairo, Illinois. He finished high school in Cairo in 1935. For 45 years, from 1938 to 1983, he was a dedicated trade unionist. This means he worked to protect the rights of workers. He also served as a vice president for the United Food and Commercial Workers Union.
A Career in Public Service
Charles Hayes lived in Chicago for most of his life. He was a strong supporter of civil rights. In the 1950s, he helped raise money for Martin Luther King Jr.'s efforts. These efforts aimed to help more people, especially African Americans, register to vote in the Southern states.
Hayes worked closely with Dr. King in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference during the 1960s. This group was very important in the Civil Rights Movement. Later, in the 1980s, he was one of the labor leaders who protested against apartheid. Apartheid was a system of racial segregation in South Africa. These protests helped lead to the freedom of Nelson Mandela.
Serving in Congress
In 1983, Hayes was elected to the 98th United States Congress. He won a special election to take the place of Harold Washington. Washington had left Congress to become the mayor of Chicago.
While in Congress, Hayes worked on important issues. He was part of the Committee on Education and Labor. He also served on the Small Business Committee. He was known for creating laws to help students who had dropped out of school. He wanted to encourage them to go back and finish their education.
He ran for re-election in 1992 but was not successful. Bobby Rush won the Democratic primary election instead.
Hayes was also one of the people who helped start Rainbow/PUSH. This organization works for social justice and civil rights. He founded it with Jesse Jackson.
Later Life and Legacy
Charles Hayes passed away on April 8, 1997, at the age of 79. He died from complications related to lung cancer. Then-Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. spoke at his funeral. Charles Hayes is remembered for his long career fighting for workers' rights and civil rights.
See also
