Book Excerpt Of The Week: "King Of The Cats: The Life and Times Of Adam Clayton Powell Jr." By: Wil Haygood

Here are some interesting facts that I gleaned about Adam Clayton Powell Jr. (the first Black congressman from NY), from the biography, "King Of The Cats: The Life and Times Of Adam Clayton Powell Jr." By: Wil Haygood:

On The Marcus Garvey/Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Connection:
"As a little boy, Adam Powell Junior had climbed to the rooftop of the Abyssinian Baptist Church and looked down on parades led by the enigmatic Marcus Garvey, proponent of racial pride and Black activism."

On Adam Clayton Powell's Involvement In The Wedding Of Nat King Cole:
"Following his Easter sermon, [Adam Clayton Powell Jr.] officiated at the marriage of Maria Ellington to a most eligible bachelor, the crooner-pianist Nat King Cole; afterward everyone dashed to the Waldorf for the reception."

On JFK, Nixon, and Powell's Tenure Together In Congress:
"Among the new House in the 80th Congress were two future presidents, Richard Nixon elected in California in a bitter fight against Jerry Voorhis, a liberal Democrat; and John F. Kennedy of Massachusetts, a World War II hero. Both freshman congressman joined Powell on the Labor Committee."