Eva Clayton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Eva Clayton
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from North Carolina's 1st district |
|
| In office November 3, 1992 – January 3, 2003 |
|
| Preceded by | Walter Jones |
| Succeeded by | Frank Ballance |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Eva McPherson
September 16, 1934 Savannah, Georgia, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | T. T. Clayton (deceased 2019) |
| Education | Johnson C. Smith University (BS) North Carolina Central University (MS) |
Eva Clayton (born September 16, 1934) is an American politician from North Carolina. She made history in 1992. Clayton became the first African American to represent North Carolina in the United States House of Representatives since 1898. She served five terms in Congress. After her time in Congress, she worked for the United Nations's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Rome. She helped fight hunger around the world.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Eva McPherson was born in Savannah, Georgia. Her father, Thomas McPherson, was an insurance agent. Her mother, Josephine Martin, was a teacher. Eva graduated from Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina in 1955. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology.
In 1956, she married Theaoseus Clayton. He also graduated from Johnson C. Smith University. Eva and Theaoseus both continued their education. They earned master's degrees from North Carolina Central University in Durham, North Carolina. Eva received her Master of Science degree in 1962.
The Claytons later moved to Warrenton, North Carolina. Theaoseus became a lawyer there. Eva also studied law at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Political Career
In 1968, civil rights leader Vernon Jordan encouraged Eva Clayton to run for public office. She ran for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. She challenged the current representative, Lawrence H. Fountain, but did not win.
Clayton then worked on a community development project called Soul City. This project was in Warren County, North Carolina. From 1977 to 1981, she served as Assistant Secretary for Community Development for North Carolina.
From 1982 to 1992, Clayton was an elected member. She also served as chair of the Warren County Board of Commissioners.
Making History in Congress
In 1992, Eva Clayton was elected to the United States House of Representatives. She represented North Carolina's 1st congressional district. She also won a special election. This allowed her to finish the remaining months of Congressman Walter B. Jones Sr.'s term.
Her election was very important. For 92 years, no African American had been elected to Congress from North Carolina. This was due to laws that made it harder for Black citizens to vote. In 1992, the congressional district was redrawn. It became one of two districts in North Carolina with a Black majority.
Eva Clayton and Mel Watt became the first African Americans elected to the House from North Carolina since 1898. Clayton took office first because she won a special election. This was a big step for representation in the state.
Work in Congress
Eva Clayton quickly gained attention in Congress. She became president of her group of new Democratic members. She served for ten years as a U.S. Congresswoman.
Clayton worked on important committees. She was on the House Agriculture Committee. She also served on the House Budget and Small Business Committees. She helped shape laws about farming and food programs.
She played a key role in the 2002 Farm Bill. This bill helps farmers and provides food assistance. She was known for supporting nutrition programs. She also worked to help African American farmers. She co-chaired the Rural Caucus. She also chaired the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.
Fighting Hunger Globally
In 2003, Eva Clayton took on a new role. She was appointed Assistant Director-General of the United Nations's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). This job was based in Rome, Italy.
She worked for three years to fight hunger and poverty worldwide. She helped create partnerships in 24 different countries. These countries included the United States, Brazil, Ghana, and Jordan.
Clayton continues to be a strong supporter for people who are hungry and poor. She promotes farming methods that are good for the environment. She also works for equality in the U.S. and around the world.
Current Work and Recognition
Today, Eva Clayton is a consultant. She founded Eva Clayton Associates International (ECAI). This company helps with government-related projects.
She has received eight honorary doctorate degrees. She is also an active member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. Clayton is an Elder at Cotton Memorial Presbyterian Church. She serves on several boards that focus on hunger, farming, and state policies. These include the United States Alliance to End Hunger and the Global Food Banking Network.
In November 2022, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper honored Clayton. She received the 2022 North Carolina Award. This is the highest award a civilian can receive from the state.
Her husband, Theaoseus T. Clayton Sr., passed away in 2019. They had four children and six grandchildren.
See also
- List of African-American United States representatives
- Women in the United States House of Representatives
