Wayne R. Bryant facts for kids

Wayne R. Bryant (born November 7, 1947) is an American Democratic Party politician, who served in the New Jersey State Senate from 1995 to 2008, where he represented the 5th Legislative District. He is also a convicted felon for corruption. Before entering the Senate, Bryant served in New Jersey's lower house, the General Assembly, from 1982 to 1995 and on the Camden County Board of Chosen Freeholders from 1980 to 1982.

Early life and family

Bryant was born and raised in the predominantly African American community of Lawnside, New Jersey. His father, Isaac Rutledge Bryant, was president of the Lawnside school board for fourteen years. His uncle, Horace J. Bryant, was the first African American to serve in a State Cabinet position in New Jersey. His grandfather served as the New Jersey General Assembly's first African American calendar clerk, responsible for billing and scheduling. He has two brothers, Isaac and Mark; Mark Bryant served as mayor of Lawnside.

Political career

While in the General Assembly, Bryant served as Majority Leader from 1990 to 1991. Upon the death of longtime Democratic Senator Walter Rand on January 6, 1995, Bryant was selected to serve the remaining term, and served in the State Senate until 2008; Nilsa Cruz-Perez was selected to fill Bryant's seat in the Assembly. Bryant served as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention on four occasions, in 1992, 1996, 2000 and 2004.

Bryant has been an Attorney at the law firm of Zeller & Bryant, L.L.P. The firm announced in an advertisement in the February 12, 2007, edition of the New Jersey Law Journal that Bryant would be retiring from the firm after 33 years, effective March 1, 2007. Bryant is the former Chairman of the Senate Budget & Appropriations Committee, and the Joint Budget Oversight Committee. He also serves as a member of the Education Committee, the Joint Committee on Public Schools, and the Intergovernmental Relations Committee.