Jesse Gray facts for kids

Jesse Gray (born May 14, 1923 – died January 2, 1988) was an important American civil rights leader and politician. He worked to improve housing for people in New York.

Who Was Jesse Gray?

Jesse Gray was born on May 14, 1923, near Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He later moved to New York City. In the 1940s, he worked as a tailor. He was also a member of the National Maritime Union.

Fighting for Fair Housing

In the 1950s, Jesse Gray started organizing protests. He helped people living in poor housing areas in Harlem. These people were called tenants. They protested against bad living conditions.

In November 1963, he led a big rent strike. This meant tenants refused to pay rent. They wanted to show how bad their homes were. Many homes had pests like rats. To show this, tenants even brought rats they caught to a judge!

Sadly, not much was done to fix the problems. Because of this, the protesters became very upset. They rioted the next year.

Jesse Gray became the head of the Community Council for Housing. He also helped create the National Tenants Organization. These groups worked to protect the rights of people who rent homes.

A Voice in Politics

Jesse Gray also became involved in politics. He was a member of the Democratic Party. In 1969, he tried to join the New York City Council, but he did not win.

In 1970, he ran against Congressman Adam Clayton Powell Jr.. Again, he was not successful.

However, in November 1972, Jesse Gray was elected. He became a member of the New York State Assembly. He served in this group of lawmakers in 1973 and 1974. In 1974, he tried to be re-elected, but he lost in the Democratic primary election.

Later Life

Jesse Gray passed away on January 2, 1988. He died at the Beth Abraham Home in the Bronx. He had been ill for several years.

See also

In Spanish: Jesse Gray para niños