American Notes Congress

During six terms as a Congressman from Philadelphia, William H. Gray ascended to the most prominent House leadership post ever held by a black: Democratic ! whip. In time, Capitol Hill insiders speculated, he could have become Speaker. Last week Gray flabbergasted both rivals and supporters by resigning from Congress to become head of the United Negro College Fund.

Gray stressed that he was leaving to devote more time to his family and the Philadelphia church that he pastors. Since few people in Washington ever voluntarily abandon a powerful position, his hasty departure sparked speculation about his real motives. He declined to comment on rumors that investigations of his finances have driven him away, and the Justice Department also refused to comment. The more plausible explanation is financial: leaving Congress will enable Gray to become a member of corporate boards and greatly increase his income.