2-835-456 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Adam Clayton Powell Jr. (1908 -1972) was an African-American Baptist pastor and politician who represented the Harlem neighbourhood of New York City in the US House of Representatives from 1945 until 1971. The first African-American to be elected to Congress from New York, Powell was a national spokesman for the Democrats on civil rights and social issues. He also urged United States presidents to support emerging nations in Africa and Asia as they gained independence after colonialism. Red wicker brimmed hat used while fishing by Powell family members at their vacation home, known as "The Bunny Cottage" located in the historic Highlands area of East Chop in the town of Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard.