James L. Usry

Politician

Birthday February 2, 1922

Birth Sign Aquarius

Birthplace Georgia

DEATH DATE Feb 25, 2002 (80)

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About

New Jersey politician who became the first black mayor of Atlantic City in 1984 before his career was abruptly ended by a major corruption scandal.

Before Fame

He grew up in a racially segregated Atlantic City, with blacks usually assigned menial jobs and using separate public facilities and even sections of the beach.

Trivia

In 1990 he was indicted on several charges stemming from a wide-ranging investigation of corruption and influence peddling; although the case fell apart, the voters kicked him out.

Family Life

He moved with his family from Georgia to Atlantic City at a young age.

Associated With

In 1987, he was nominated by President Ronald Reagan to the National Advisory Council on Educational Research and Improvement.