About Donald M. Payne
Donald Milford Payne Sr. was an American politician who was the U.S. representative for New Jersey's 10th congressional district from 1989 until his death in 2012. He was a member of the Democratic Party. The district encompassed most of the city of Newark, parts of Jersey City and Elizabeth, and some suburban communities in Essex and Union counties. He was the first African American to represent New Jersey in Congress. In 1970, Payne became the first black president of the National Council of YMCAs. In 1978, Payne ran against, and came in third to, Peter Shapiro in the June primary selecting the Democratic candidate for the first Essex County Executive, with Sheriff John F. As early as 1974, Payne set out to become New Jersey's first African-American congressman.
Biography source: Wikipedia. The profile adds birthday-specific historical context from the Celebs Birthday Today editorial database.