William H. Hicks

William Henry Hicks (August 27, 1925 – September 3, 1987) was an American Democratic Party politician. He served in the New Jersey General Assembly encompassing Paterson, New Jersey from 1972 through 1976. He had also served on the Paterson City Commission, becoming the first African-American president of that body.

Early life and education He was born in Littleton, North Carolina and resided in Paterson since 1935. He attended Paterson Public Schools and earned a B.A. in education from William Paterson College.

Career Hicks served in the United States Naval Air Corps and worked as a car salesman. In 1966, Hicks was elected as an alderman on the Paterson City Commission from the city's fourth ward and served three terms through 1971. He was chosen to serve as president of the commission and was the first African American to be the leader of the board.

Personal life He had been married to Bernice Louise Manners and was later married to Margaret Adlia Long. He had four children. Hicks died on September 3, 1987.