Wayne R. Bryant facts for kids

Wayne R. Bryant was born on November 7, 1947. He is an American politician from the Democratic Party. He served in the New Jersey State Senate from 1995 to 2008. In the Senate, he represented the 5th Legislative District. Before joining the Senate, Bryant was a member of the General Assembly. He served there from 1982 to 1995. He also served on the Camden County Board of Chosen Freeholders from 1980 to 1982.

Early Life and Family Background

Wayne R. Bryant grew up in Lawnside, New Jersey. This community is mostly African American. His family has a history of public service.

Family's Public Service

His father, Isaac Rutledge Bryant, was the president of the Lawnside school board. He held this position for fourteen years. Wayne Bryant's uncle, Horace J. Bryant, made history in New Jersey. He was the first African American to serve in a State Cabinet position. His grandfather also worked in the New Jersey General Assembly. He was the first African American calendar clerk. This job involved managing bills and schedules. Wayne Bryant has two brothers, Isaac and Mark. Mark Bryant later became the mayor of Lawnside.

Political Career Highlights

Wayne R. Bryant had a long career in New Jersey politics. He served in both the General Assembly and the State Senate.

Serving in the General Assembly

While in the General Assembly, Bryant held an important leadership role. He was the Majority Leader from 1990 to 1991. This means he led the main political party in the Assembly.

Moving to the State Senate

In 1995, a long-serving Democratic senator, Walter Rand, passed away. Wayne Bryant was chosen to finish his term in the State Senate. He continued to serve in the Senate until 2008. After Bryant moved to the Senate, Nilsa Cruz-Perez was chosen to take his seat in the Assembly.

National Political Involvement

Bryant was also involved in national politics. He was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention four times. He attended the conventions in 1992, 1996, 2000, and 2004. These conventions are where the Democratic Party chooses its presidential candidate.

Professional and Committee Roles

Wayne Bryant worked as an attorney at the law firm of Zeller & Bryant, L.L.P. He retired from the firm on March 1, 2007, after 33 years. In the State Senate, Bryant was the former chairman of the Senate Budget & Appropriations Committee. He also chaired the Joint Budget Oversight Committee. He was also a member of other important committees. These included the Education Committee, the Joint Committee on Public Schools, and the Intergovernmental Relations Committee.