Matthew G. Carter facts for kids

Matthew G. Carter (October 16, 1913 – March 14, 2012) was an important American pastor and politician. He made history as the first African American Mayor of Montclair, New Jersey, serving from 1968 to 1972. Carter also led the New Jersey State Commission on Civil Rights.

Early Life and Education

Matthew G. Carter was born in Danville, Virginia, on October 16, 1913. His parents were Clarence and Henrietta Carter. He grew up to become a pastor at the Zion Baptist Church in Petersburg, Virginia.

Carter was dedicated to his education. He earned a bachelor's degree from Virginia Union University in 1939. Later, he completed his Master of Divinity from Virginia Union University's School of Theology in 1942. He continued his studies at Columbia University and the Union Theological Seminary in New York City.

A Leader in Montclair Politics

Carter began his political journey in Montclair, New Jersey, in 1964. He was elected to the Montclair Town Commission. He ran with the Montclair Community Committee group and received the most votes. Four out of five candidates on his team won their elections.

From 1964 to 1968, Carter served as both the Commissioner of Public Works and the Vice Mayor of Montclair. He was re-elected to the Township Commission in 1968. In that election, he won against eleven other candidates.

Fighting for Fair Housing

In 1968, Matthew Carter was elected Mayor of Montclair by his fellow commissioners. He served as Mayor until 1972. As Mayor, Carter strongly supported the creation of more affordable housing. He continued this important work even after his time in office.

Carter helped create a Fair Housing rule for Montclair. This rule said that housing decisions should not be based on a person's national origin or race.

In 1979, Carter oversaw the opening of the Erie Lackawanna Apartments. This was a low-income housing complex. It was supported by local people and the Union Baptist Church. The 126-unit apartment complex received money from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. In 1999, the apartments were renamed the Matthew G. Carter Apartments to honor his contributions.

A Champion for Civil Rights

Matthew Carter was appointed as the chairman of the New Jersey State Commission on Civil Rights. This was a very important role across the state. He also served on the boards of many other organizations.

In his professional life, Carter worked as the assistant director of the YMCA publishing house in New York City. He also held a position in the Department of Community Affairs at Hoffmann-La Roche.

Later Life and Legacy

Matthew Carter passed away on March 14, 2012, at the age of 98. He died from complications of Alzheimer's disease. He was survived by his wife, Frances Hill Carter, and their two daughters, Bettye Carter Freeman and Nanette Carter. He also had three granddaughters. His daughter, Bettye Freeman, is a dean of students at Northeastern University School of Law. She was formerly an assistant attorney general for civil rights in Massachusetts. She is married to artist, Robert T. Freeman.