Brown, Earl, 1903-1980

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African-American journalist and Harlem politician, Earl Brown was a graduate of Harvard University (1929) worked for the "Amsterdam News," "Life," and "Time" magazines before entering politics. In 1949 while employed as and editor at "Time" magazine, he accepted Tammany Hall's request to run against the incumbent Benjamin Davis for New York City Council. Brown defeated Davis, a Communist Party candidate, and was elected to the seat. During his tenure as Councilman (1949-1961), Brown investigated police corruption and brutality, co-sponsored legislation to end discrimination in housing, and headed a special committee on the use of narcotics in New York City. In 1958 he attempted to unseat Congressman Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. and lost. In 1961 he left the Council to become a member of the City's Housing and Redevelopment Board. Two years later Brown was named Acting Manhattan Borough President, and in 1965 was appointed the first paid chairman of the City's Commission on Human Rights, retiring a short time later.

From the description of Earl Brown papers, 1934-1976. (New York Public Library). WorldCat record id: 433591070

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Role Title Holding Repository
creatorOf Brown, Earl, 1903-1980. Earl Brown papers, 1934-1976. New York Public Library System, NYPL
Role Title Holding Repository
Place Name Admin Code Country
United States
New York (N.Y.)
Harlem (New York, N.Y.)
New York (State)--New York
Subject
African American journalists
African American legislators
African American politicians
Discrimination in housing
Politicians
Voting
Occupation
Activity

Person

Birth 1903

Death 1980

Information

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SNAC ID: 628798