William Donald Primus

Primus, a 23-year resident of Madison, became the first African American to be elected to the borough's council, serving one term from 1980 to 1982, and the first African American member of the Madison Volunteer Fire Department in 1970, according to the Urban League. He worked in the administration of former New York Gov. Nelson Rockefeller and held several influential posts in New Jersey state government. Primus joined the Urban League in 1995. During his 14-year tenure, he helped transform the organization into an strong voice in the community and represented it on more than 10 boards and committees, it said. Under Primus' guidance, the organization grew from one full-time employee and a budget of $95,000 to 14 full-time employees and a $1 million-plus budget. Born in Hickory, N.C. on March 24, 1941 to the late William David Primus and Dorothy, he was the oldest of six siblings, it said. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and sociology from Livingstone College and a master’s degree in city and regional planning and design from the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, the release said. He is survived by his wife Paulette Stansbury Primus, and by several children and grandchildren.