By: Jordan Meadows | Staff Writer
Eva Clayton, born on September 16, 1934, in Savannah, Georgia, is a pioneering American politician who made history as the first African American to represent North Carolina in the United States House of Representatives since George Henry White in 1898.
Clayton graduated with a Bachelor of Science in biology from Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 1955. In 1956, she married Theaoseus Clayton, also a graduate of Johnson C. Smith University. The couple pursued further education together, with Eva earning a Master of Science degree from North Carolina Central University in 1962.
After completing their graduate studies, the Claytons moved to Warrenton, North Carolina, where Theaoseus Clayton became a lawyer. Eva attended law school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she further honed her knowledge and skills. Their work in the legal field and their dedication to civil rights would be a significant influence on Eva’s later political career.
Eva Clayton’s political journey was influenced by the civil rights movement, which profoundly impacted her views on racial inequality and social justice. In 1968, civil rights leader Vernon Jordan recruited Clayton to run for public office as part of a broader push to increase Black political engagement in North Carolina.
Clayton’s first run for Congress in 1968 was unsuccessful, as she lost the Democratic primary to incumbent Lawrence H. Fountain. Despite this defeat, Clayton’s campaign helped mobilize the Black community, increase voter registration, and inspire future generations of activists and politicians.
In the 1970s, Clayton became deeply involved in community development, particularly through the Soul City project. Soul City, a planned community founded by civil rights leader Floyd McKissick, was intended to be Black-owned and operated. Eva co-founded the Soul City Foundation in 1974, where she served as executive director. Her work involved creating programs that benefited the local community, such as meal services, health fairs, and education opportunities.
In 1977, Clayton was appointed Assistant Secretary for Community Development in the North Carolina State Department of Natural Resources and Community Development, where she served until 1981. Her time in this role helped her gain a deep understanding of the intersection between state and federal government and the importance of economic development for underserved communities.
Clayton’s political career gained momentum in the 1980s when she was elected to the Warren County Board of Commissioners in 1982. She served as chair of the board until 1990, during which time she played a key role in securing over $550 million in investments for the county.
In 1992, Clayton made history by becoming the first African American from North Carolina to be elected to the United States House of Representatives in more than 90 years. Her victory followed the retirement of Congressman Walter B. Jones Sr., who represented North Carolina’s 1st congressional district. The district had been re-apportioned to include a majority Black population, which was instrumental in ensuring that Clayton’s election was possible under the guidelines of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Clayton’s victory was a monumental moment for African Americans in North Carolina, as it marked a return of Black representation in Congress after nearly a century. Alongside Mel Watt, who won North Carolina’s 12th district, Clayton was part of a historic shift in the political landscape of the state.
Once in Congress, Clayton quickly made a name for herself as a committed and effective legislator. She was known for her leadership and strong advocacy on behalf of African American farmers and other marginalized groups.
As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, Clayton played an essential role in shaping the policies of the Department of Agriculture. She was an endorser on the 2002 Farm Bill and worked tirelessly to include provisions that would support nutritional programs, civil rights, and the interests of African American farmers.
Clayton also held leadership positions, such as serving as the president of the Democratic freshman class and as the bipartisan co-chair of the Rural Caucus. She was deeply involved in national discussions on hunger, poverty, and sustainable agriculture, and she was recognized by national organizations for her dedication to improving the lives of those in need.
Her efforts in Congress also extended to global issues, particularly in the fight against hunger. As a member of the House Budget and Small Business Committees, she helped shape policies that would benefit rural America. She made a significant mark on global hunger advocacy through her role in the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, where she served as Assistant Director-General from 2003 to 2006. During her tenure, Clayton worked to build global alliances to combat hunger and poverty, fostering partnerships in countries such as Brazil, Ghana, and Jordan.
After retiring from Congress in 2003, Eva Clayton continued her advocacy work as a consultant and founder of Eva Clayton Associates International (ECAI), a consulting firm specializing in government practice areas. She also remained involved in various boards and organizations dedicated to fighting hunger, promoting sustainable agriculture, and advancing public policy. These include the United States Alliance to End Hunger, the Global Food Banking Network, and the Center for Environmental Farming Systems.
Clayton has been recognized with numerous honorary doctorates, and she remains an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. In 2022, she was awarded the prestigious North Carolina Award by Governor Roy Cooper.
