Horace J. Bryant facts for kids

Horace J. Bryant, Jr. (June 29, 1909 – April 13, 1983) was an important African American leader from New Jersey. He worked hard for civil rights and became a top government official. He made history as the first African American to be a State Cabinet member in New Jersey's government. He was the Commissioner of Banking and Insurance.

Early Life and Education

Horace J. Bryant, Jr. was born and grew up in Lawnside, New Jersey. This community had many African American families. His father, Horace J. Bryant, Sr., was a successful builder and real estate developer. His dad was also the first African American to work as a calendar clerk for the New Jersey General Assembly.

Horace Jr. studied accounting at Temple University. He graduated in 1929. In 1930, he started working for the state. He became a junior bank examiner in the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance.

Fighting for Civil Rights

In 1939, Bryant moved to Atlantic City. He became involved in local politics with the Republican Party. He tried to win local elections in Atlantic City in 1948 and 1952. He was the first African American to run for office there. However, he did not win these early races.

Later, Bryant joined the Democratic Party. He became very active in his community and state. He was a lifelong member of the NAACP. He often spoke out about civil rights issues in Atlantic City.

Bryant led efforts to end segregation in Atlantic City's movie theaters in the 1950s. This meant helping to make sure everyone, no matter their race, could sit anywhere they wanted. He also started the Northside Union League Federal Credit Union. This was the first financial institution in the city created for African Americans.

A Leader in State Government

Horace J. Bryant, Jr. continued to advance in the state Department of Banking and Insurance. He became deputy commissioner in 1965. In 1969, Governor Richard J. Hughes chose him to be the commissioner. This was a very important moment. Bryant became the first African American to hold a cabinet-level position in New Jersey.

He retired from state office in 1970. After that, he returned to Atlantic City. In 1972, he was elected to the Atlantic City Commission. He served as the City Commissioner of Revenue and Finance until 1980. He also helped create the Atlantic City Municipal Utilities Authority.

Family and Legacy

Horace J. Bryant, Jr. and his wife, Lillian Weekes, had a daughter also named Lillian. Their daughter Lillian served on the Atlantic County Board of Chosen Freeholders for many years. He was also the uncle of Mark Bryant, who served as mayor of Lawnside, New Jersey.

Horace J. Bryant, Jr. passed away in 1983 at the age of 73. A street in Atlantic City, Horace J. Bryant Drive, is named after him. There is also a bronze statue of Bryant at the Carnegie Library Center in Stockton University. This statue celebrates his important work as a civil rights pioneer.