Harold Ford Sr. broke barriers as Tennessee’s first Black congressman. Born in 1945, he served 11 terms, championing his Memphis district. But who was the man behind the political legacy?
Early Life and Family
Harold Eugene Ford Sr. grew up in South Memphis, one of 15 kids. His folks weren’t just anybody – they were big names in the Black community. His dad, Newton Jackson Ford, ran a funeral home, while his mom, Vera, kept the house in order[1][4].
The Fords had been in politics since Harold’s great-grandpa, Newton Ford. He was a county squire way back in the 1800s. Talk about a family business! Harold’s grandpa, Lewie Ford, started the family funeral home and got cozy with E.H. Crump, a big shot white politician in Memphis[1][4].
Education
Harold didn’t mess around when it came to learning. He graduated from Geeter High School in 1963 and then headed to Tennessee State University. In 1967, he walked away with a business degree[1][4].
But he didn’t stop there. Check this out:
- 1969: Got a mortuary science degree from John A. Gupton College
- 1982: Earned an MBA from Howard University
Plus, he’s a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity[1][4].
Career in Mortuary Science
After getting his mortuary science degree, Harold jumped into the family business. From 1969 to 1974, he worked as a mortician at N.J. Ford Funeral Home[1][4].
But the funeral biz was just a pit stop on his way to bigger things.
Entry into Politics
Harold’s political career kicked off in the Tennessee House of Representatives. He served there from 1970 to 1975[5].
But 1974 was the real game-changer. That’s when he ran for U.S. Congress. And boy, was it a nail-biter! At first, it looked like his opponent, Dan Kuykendall, had won. But then, Ford’s team found some “lost” ballot boxes in a dumpster. When those votes were counted, Ford came out on top[6].
Congressional Career
Harold Ford Sr. made history as the first Black person to represent Tennessee in Congress. He held that seat for 22 years, from 1975 to 1997[1][2].
During his time in D.C., Ford was a busy bee:
- Served on the House Ways and Means Committee
- Chaired the subcommittee on Public Assistance and Unemployment
- Fought for his district’s needs
Ford was known for bringing home the bacon. He scored tons of federal funds for Memphis, thanks to his spot on the Ways and Means Committee[1][4].
Key Legislative Focus
In Congress, Ford was all about helping the little guy. He pushed for:
- Job training programs
- Better health care
- More unemployment benefits
Ford wasn’t afraid to stand up to the big dogs, either. When President Reagan tried to slash social programs, Ford said, “Not on my watch!” He fought hard to keep Medicare and food stamps going strong[1][4].
Ford had his own ideas about welfare, too. He wanted to help folks move from welfare to work, but his plan didn’t make it through Congress[1].
| Ford’s Priorities | Reagan’s Cuts |
|---|---|
| Job training | Medicare |
| Health care | Food stamps |
| Unemployment aid | Welfare |
Personal Life
Ford’s personal life was as busy as his political one. He tied the knot with Dorothy Bowles in 1969, and they had three kids: Harold Jr., Newton Jake, and Sir Isaac. But their marriage hit the rocks, and they split in 1999[1].
Love wasn’t done with Ford, though. He found happiness again with Michelle Roberts. They added two more kiddos to the Ford clan: Andrew and Ava[1].
These days, Ford’s living the good life. He splits his time between Tennessee and Fisher Island in Florida. And get this – he’s even got a place in the Hamptons[1].
Legal Challenges
Ford’s career wasn’t all smooth sailing. In 1987, he got hit with some serious accusations. The feds said he’d used business loans for personal stuff. But Ford wasn’t having it. He said the whole thing was a bunch of baloney, claiming it was all about race and politics[1].
The charges cost him his leadership roles in Congress, but he stuck around. And in 1993, a jury said, “Not guilty!” Ford was cleared of all charges[1].
Retirement and Later Activities
In 1996, Ford decided to hang up his congressional hat. But he didn’t fade away. He’s still a mover and shaker in the Democratic Party[1][2].
And get this – politics runs in the family. His son, Harold Jr., took over his dad’s seat in Congress. Talk about keeping it in the family![2]
Ford’s not just sitting around in retirement. He’s still got his fingers in a few pies:
- Works in the private sector
- Stays active in community affairs
- Does some lobbying work
In fact, his latest gig is working for the Automobile Dealers Consortium[7].
Harold Ford Sr. may have left Congress, but he’s far from done. He’s still making waves and leaving his mark on Memphis and beyond.
Conclusion
Harold Ford Sr. is more than just a name in the history books. He’s a guy who came from a big family in Memphis and made it all the way to the halls of Congress. He fought for the little guy, stood up to presidents, and paved the way for other Black politicians in Tennessee. Ford’s story is all about breaking barriers and sticking to your guns. From the funeral home to the House floor, Harold Ford Sr. has left his mark on Memphis and American politics.
Meta Description: Harold Ford Sr., Tennessee’s first Black congressman, served 11 terms fighting for Memphis. Learn about this political trailblazer’s journey from mortician to D.C. powerhouse.
