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John Winters Born in 1920, Raleigh native Winters attended Long Island University, Virginia State University and Shaw University. He held an honorary law degree from Shaw University. As one of his early jobs, Winters was a delivery man for Melville Dairies, owned by Governor Kerr Scott's brother. As a route man, he helped deliver literature for Kerr Scott's 1948 successful campaign for governor. Terry Sanford helped manage that campaign, and when Sanford ran for Governor in 1960, Winters pulled the African-American community behind Sanford's successful campaign. In 1957, Winters noted that developers were beginning to expand to the west and north of Raleigh with little attention being given to Southeast Raleigh. In response, Winters started John W. Winters & Company real estate and insurance. He nursed his fledging company during the day and worked nights serving as a skycap at the Raleigh-Durham airport. Always a gentleman and statesmen, Winters was instrumental in shaping state and local policies. In 1961, at a time when legal segregation was still prevalent in the south, Winters ran for the Raleigh City Council and was elected as the first African-American member. His election was even more significant because at that time all council seats were elected citywide, a procedure that had ensured the defeat of African-American candidates, that is, until Winters' victory. While a member of the council, Winters was appointed to the North Carolina Good Neighbor Council, Governor Sanford’s initiative to respond to the civil rights movement in an effective and responsible way. Winters left city politics in 1967 when his business demanded his full attention. In 1974, Winters successfully sought a seat in the North Carolina Senate representing Wake, Lee and Harnett counties. He served two terms until Governor Jim Hunt appointed him to the North Carolina Utilities Commission. Although without a college degree, his public service included serving on the Board of Trustees of Shaw University and on the Board of Governors of the University of North Carolina. Winters was a member of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church where he served on the Board of Consultants to the Bishop-President. At one time, he was Vice-President of the Parrish Advisory Council for the Cardinal Gibbons School Board. With a caring heart, John W. Winters was a trailblazer and role model, stepping forward at a time when the city needed someone to "build bridges" between the races. He died in 2004 at the age of 84. . . . For more information, please write: Raleigh Hall of Fame Or email information@raleighhalloffame.org
or call (919) 787-9617. |
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