Jack, Hulan E. (Hulan Edwin), 1906-1986

Hulan Edwin Jack was most noted for being the first black borough president in New York City, representing Manhattan from 1954-1961.

Born in the British West Indies in 1906, he immigrated to the United States at age 16 and later attended New York University. A Democrat, Jack was elected to the New York State Assembly from 1940-1953 and 1968-1972.

As an assemblyman Jack was known as a fighter for civil and human rights, successfully introducing legislation to end discrimination in employment in 1945 as well as discrimination in public and semi-public housing. He also introduced bills for the welfare of laborers, veterans and children. As borough president he helped secure funding for major improvements in highways and public transportation, as well as public works projects.

In 1959 Jack was indicted for accepting a $4500 renovation on his apartment from a businessman who was doing business with the city, and resigned the borough presidency in 1960. And, in 1972 while an assemblyman, he was fined and convicted of conflict of interest charges. That same year he was defeated by a Harlem political opponent. Although Jack's political career as an elected official had ended, in 1980 he served on two committees to give further economic support to Africa: the National Democratic Policy Committee and the committee for a New Africa Policy. Hulan Jack died in 1986 in New York City.