James Leroy Usry

James Leroy Usry (February 2, 1922 – January 25, 2002) was the first African-American mayor of Atlantic City, New Jersey. He was also a professional basketball player.

Biography He was born on February 2, 1922, in Athens, Georgia. Usry graduated from Atlantic City High School and earned a bachelor's degree in 1946 from Lincoln University. From 1946 to 1951, he was a professional basketball player with the New York Renaissance and Dayton Rens. In 1971, he earned a master's degree from Glassboro State College. From 1952 to 1984, Usry was an educator in the Atlantic City School District, where he served as assistant superintendent from 1977 to 1984.

On March 20, 1987, Usry was nominated by President Ronald Reagan for a two-year term on the National Advisory Council on Educational Research and Improvement.

In 1990, Usry was succeeded as mayor by Jim Whelan. Supporters claimed the race had been rigged.

All major charges against Usry were dropped when he pleaded guilty to improper reporting of campaign contributions and agreed to perform 60 hours of community service with the Salvation Army.