Ralph Harold Metcalfe

Congressman Ralph Metcalfe represented Illinois’ 1st Congressional District from 1971 until his death on October 10, 1978 (92nd-95th Congresses). Metcalfe served on the Interstate and Foreign Commerce, Merchant Marines and Fisheries, and Post Office and Civil Service committees. During his time in Congress, Metcalfe worked to expand federal housing programs and improve public housing projects. Other issues of importance to Metcalfe were airline safety, prison administration, preventative medical care for school children, and increased education, housing, and job opportunities for residents of the Panama Canal Zone. Metcalfe also made significant achievements as an Olympic athlete, including setting a world record for a team event with Jesse Owens in 1936. Before entering the United States Army Transportation Corps, Metcalfe became a track coach and political science instructor at Xavier University. After his discharge as a first lieutenant, Metcalfe returned to Chicago and was elected Third Ward Democratic Committeeman and served three terms on the Chicago City Council before being elected to U.S. Congress. He received a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from Marquette University and a master’s degree in physical education from the University of Southern California.