Charlotte Durante facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charlotte Durante
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Durante in 1986
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| Member of the Delray Beach City Commission | |
| In office 1978–1982 |
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| Alma mater | |
Charlotte Gilmore Durante was a pioneering leader in Delray Beach, a city in Palm Beach County, Florida. In 1978, she made history by becoming the first African American woman elected to the City Commission in Delray Beach. She served her community in this important role until 1982.
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Early Life and Education
Charlotte Durante was dedicated to her education. She studied at the Tuskegee Institute, a famous university known for its history and contributions to education. Later, she earned a master's degree in public health from Penn State University. This advanced degree helped her understand how to improve community well-being.
Before she entered politics, Durante worked as a real estate agent. She helped people find and buy homes.
Political Career
Charlotte Durante was a very active member of her community. She worked hard to make Delray Beach a better place for everyone.
Leading Community Health
Durante was the first leader of the South County Mental Health Center. This center opened the first crisis intervention center in south Palm Beach County in 1975. A crisis intervention center helps people who are going through difficult times and need immediate support. Her work helped many people get the care they needed.
She also served on the Delray Beach planning and zoning board. This group helps decide how land in the city can be used and developed.
Becoming a City Commissioner
In March 1978, Durante ran for a seat on the Delray Beach City Commission. The City Commission is a group of elected officials who make important decisions for the city. She was seen as a strong leader in the Black community.
The election was close and went to a second round of voting, called a runoff election. Charlotte Durante won, becoming the first African American woman to serve on the Delray Beach City Commission. She was also the only Black person and the only woman on the commission at that time.
Durante was reelected in March 1980, showing that the community supported her work. She was very popular and raised the most money among all the candidates.
Advocating for Others
In 1980, Durante spoke up for Haitian refugees. Many Haitian people were arriving in Florida, seeking safety and a new home. Durante believed Palm Beach County should create a special center to help them. She worked to ensure they received support and fair treatment.
After leaving the City Commission in 1982, Durante continued to advocate for her community. She pushed for the city to invest in and improve areas of Delray Beach where many Black residents lived. Her dedication to public service continued long after her time as a commissioner.
Images for kids
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Durante in 1986
