Harry Britt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Harry Britt
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| President of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors | |
| In office 1989–1990 |
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| Preceded by | Nancy G. Walker |
| Succeeded by | Doris M. Ward |
| Member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors from the 5th district |
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| In office January 1979 – January 1993 |
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| Preceded by | Harvey Milk |
| Succeeded by | Sue Bierman |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 8, 1938 Port Arthur, Texas, U.S. |
| Died | June 24, 2020 (aged 82) San Francisco, California, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
Harry Britt (June 8, 1938 – June 24, 2020) was an American political activist and politician. He was known for his work in San Francisco, California. Before his political career, Mr. Britt was a Methodist minister in Chicago. He was involved in the civil rights movement during the late 1960s.
In January 1979, Harry Britt was appointed to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. This happened after the death of Supervisor Harvey Milk. Mr. Britt was chosen by Mayor Dianne Feinstein to fill the open position.
Contents
Harry Britt's Political Career
Serving on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors
Harry Britt was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors several times. He won elections in November 1979, 1980, 1984, and 1988. The Board of Supervisors makes important decisions for the city of San Francisco. From 1989 to 1990, Mr. Britt served as the President of the Board of Supervisors. This is a very important leadership role.
Mr. Britt was a member of the Democratic Socialists of America. He was one of the few members of this group to be elected to public office. He worked on laws that supported different kinds of families. In 1982, he introduced a law that was passed by the Board of Supervisors. However, the mayor at the time did not sign it into law. In 1989, under Mr. Britt's leadership, the Board passed a similar law again. This time, Mayor Art Agnos signed it. Later, voters changed this law through a special vote. But a new version, also written by Mr. Britt, was approved by voters in 1990.
Other Political Races
Harry Britt decided not to run for reelection to the Board of Supervisors in 1992. He also ran for other important offices. In 1987, he ran for a seat in the U.S. Congress. He lost this election to Nancy Pelosi. He also ran for a seat in the California State Assembly in 2002. He was not successful in that race either.
Later Work
After his time in politics, Harry Britt worked in education. He directed a special program at New College of California. This program helped adults earn their college degrees. The college closed in 2008 due to money problems.
His Passing
Harry Britt passed away on June 24, 2020. He died in San Francisco after a long illness.
See also
- List of Democratic Socialists of America who have held office in the United States
