Hulan Jack facts for kids

Hulan Edwin Jack (December 29, 1906 – December 19, 1986) was an important politician from Saint Lucia. He moved to New York and made history in 1954. That year, he became the highest-ranking Caribbean American city official. He was elected Borough President of Manhattan.

Early Life and Career

Hulan Jack was born on December 29, 1906, in Saint Lucia. He spent his early childhood in British Guiana. Later, he moved to the United States. His father was a minister in the African Orthodox Church.

When he was young, Hulan worked as a janitor. He worked at a paper box factory. He worked hard and eventually became a vice president at the company.

Becoming a Politician

Hulan Jack became very active in politics. He joined a political group called Tammany Hall. He won several elections to the New York State Assembly. This is a part of the New York State government that makes laws.

He represented parts of Harlem from 1941 to 1953. As a lawmaker, he tried to pass laws to stop racial segregation. This would have helped end separation in New York State public schools. He also tried to stop segregation in property sales. However, his efforts were not successful at that time.

Serving as Manhattan Borough President

In November 1953, Hulan Jack was elected Borough President of Manhattan. This made him one of the most important African-American elected officials in the country. He held this important position for several years.

Facing Challenges

In 1956, Jack gave a speech at an event in New Orleans. This caused some controversy. A group called the White Citizens Council tried to say that Jack was involved with bad organizations. Jack strongly denied these claims. He said the group was trying to stop desegregation in schools.

New York City Mayor Robert F. Wagner supported Jack. He called Jack "the highest grade of American."

In 1959, Jack faced legal trouble. He was accused of letting a friend pay for renovations to his apartment. This friend was a real estate developer. It was thought the friend hoped to get a city contract in return. However, Jack had actually voted against giving the friend that contract.

Jack had two trials. The first trial did not reach a decision. In the second trial, he was found guilty of accepting the gift. He was also found guilty of trying to hide it. In 1961, he was given a suspended prison term. This meant he did not have to go to prison right away. However, this automatically removed him from his job as Borough President. Edward R. Dudley took over his position.

Later Political Life

Hulan Jack was elected to the State Assembly again. He served from 1968 to 1972. He represented the 70th District.

In 1972, Jack faced more legal issues. He was found guilty of trying to force shop owners to sell products from a company he owned. He received a three-month prison term and had to pay a fine. He tried to appeal his case to the U.S. Supreme Court, but they did not hear his appeal. Later, President Jimmy Carter pardoned him. This means his punishment was officially forgiven.

Involvement with the LaRouche Movement

Later in his life, Hulan Jack became involved with the LaRouche movement. He worked as a consultant for Lyndon LaRouche's 1980 presidential campaign.

LaRouche's publishing company published Jack's autobiography. It was called Fifty Years a Democrat. Jack and LaRouche also started a group. It was called the Committee for a New Africa Policy. This group worked to get aid and help build up countries in Africa. In 1984, Jack helped start the Schiller Institute. This group was also connected to LaRouche. His daughter later said she thought this connection was "unfortunate."

Death

Hulan Jack passed away from cancer on December 19, 1986. He died at St. Luke's Hospital in Manhattan. He was 79 years old. He was a member of the Roman Catholic church.

Works

• Jack, Hulan Fifty Years a Democrat:The Autobiography of Hulan Jack New Benjamin Franklin House New York, NY 1983