US Congressman. A member of the Democratic Party, he served New Jersey's 10th District in the United States House of Representatives from 1989 until his death. He attained his degree from Seton Hall University and embarked on a career as an English and Social Studies teacher in the Newark and Passaic Districts. He later became a respected businessman, holding the positions as executive of the Prudential Insurance Company and Vice President of Urban Data Systems. Payne launched his political career as a member of the Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders (1972 to 1978) and moved onto serving as a member of the Newark, New Jersey Municipal Council. In 1988, he was elected as the first African American to represent New Jersey in Congress. During his tenure, he had served as Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation and was a senior member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. Payne prioritized the needs of voters from his district and was a major force in the establishment of the humanitarian-geared PEPFAR Program which appropriated tens-of-billions in funds to treat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria within Africa. Payne died following a battle with colon cancer.
US Congressman. A member of the Democratic Party, he served New Jersey's 10th District in the United States House of Representatives from 1989 until his death. He attained his degree from Seton Hall University and embarked on a career as an English and Social Studies teacher in the Newark and Passaic Districts. He later became a respected businessman, holding the positions as executive of the Prudential Insurance Company and Vice President of Urban Data Systems. Payne launched his political career as a member of the Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders (1972 to 1978) and moved onto serving as a member of the Newark, New Jersey Municipal Council. In 1988, he was elected as the first African American to represent New Jersey in Congress. During his tenure, he had served as Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation and was a senior member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. Payne prioritized the needs of voters from his district and was a major force in the establishment of the humanitarian-geared PEPFAR Program which appropriated tens-of-billions in funds to treat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria within Africa. Payne died following a battle with colon cancer.
Bio by: C.S.
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