John S. Watson (August 14, 1924 – June 15, 1996)
John S. Watson (August 14, 1924 – June 15, 1996) was an African-American Democratic Party politician who served six terms in the New Jersey General Assembly, representing the 15th Legislative District. Born in Camden, Watson served with the U.S. Merchant Marine fleet during World War II. In 1970, Watson became the first African-American elected to the Mercer County Board of Chosen Freeholders, and in 1977, he was appointed board chairperson. For 12 years, he was a member of the New Jersey State Assembly, serving as Chairman of the Assembly Appropriations Committee. The John S. Watson Institute for Urban Policy and Research at Kean University is named in his honor. John Watson's daughter, Bonnie Watson Coleman, is a United States House of Representatives member, the first African-American woman in New Jersey to claim that honor.
Remembering John S. Watson
Steve Adubato recently interviewed Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman on his new series "Remember Them" to honor the life and legacy of her father, NJ Assemblyman John S. Watson. During the segment, Adubato and Coleman discussed the John S. Watson Institute for Urban Policy and Research at Kean University and how the center continues her father's work.