Curtis Graves facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Curtis Graves
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| Member of the Texas House of Representatives from District 23-6 | |
| In office January 10, 1967 – January 9, 1973 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | August 26, 1938 New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Died | July 26, 2023 (aged 84) |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouses | Kay Bryant Joanne Graves (divorced) |
| Children | 3, including Gizelle Bryant |
| Alma mater | Texas Southern University Princeton University |
Curtis M. Graves (August 26, 1938 – July 26, 2023) was an important American leader. He was a civil rights activist and a politician from Texas. He was one of the first African Americans to serve in the Texas House of Representatives after the Reconstruction period.
Contents
About His Early Life
Curtis Graves was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. This happened in 1938. His parents were Joseph and Mable Graves.
His Career and Public Service
Serving in the Texas House
Graves served in the Texas House of Representatives. He was a member from 1967 to 1973. He was part of the Democratic Party. In 1966, he was one of three African-American members elected. The others were Barbara Jordan and Joe Lockridge. They were the first Black representatives since 1896.
Working for Civil Rights
Curtis Graves was a big part of the Civil Rights Movement. He worked with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This movement fought for equal rights for all people.
Other Important Roles
Besides politics, Graves was also a businessman. He studied at Texas Southern University and Princeton University. He also worked for NASA, the space agency. At NASA, he helped with academic programs. He was also the Director for Civil Affairs. Curtis Graves was also a talented photographer.
His Family Life
Curtis Graves was married to Joanne Graves. They had three children together. One of his children is Gizelle Bryant. She is known from the TV show The Real Housewives of Potomac. She was also married to pastor Jamal Bryant.
Curtis Graves was also related to Marc Morial. Marc Morial is the President and CEO of the National Urban League. He was also a former mayor of New Orleans. Later, Curtis was married to Kay Bryant. They lived in Atlanta, Georgia.
Curtis Graves passed away on July 26, 2023. His daughter, Gizelle, shared the news on social media.
