Draft:Cyril deGrasse Tyson

Cyril deGrasse Tyson (October 19, 1927 – December 29, 2016) was an American activist best known for his role in antipoverty programs during the 1960s. He played a significant role in addressing poverty and racial tensions in New York City and Newark, working with government-financed organizations to improve public schools, job opportunities, and residents' skills. Tyson's efforts aimed to alleviate racial unrest and combat stereotypes about welfare recipients.

Early life and education
Cyril deGrasse Tyson was born in Manhattan on October 19, 1927. His father was Albert Tyson, a security guard, and his mother was Altima Tyson, an active member in community affairs. Tyson attended St. Francis College where he was a member of the track team. He graduated Columbia University with a Master of Social Work degree.

Career
In 1963, Tyson made notable contributions to Harlem Youth Opportunities Unlimited (HARYOU), where he designed programs to address educational and employment disparities. However, conflicts within the organization led him to leave HARYOU and become the executive director of the nonprofit United Community Corporation (UCC) in Newark. Under Tyson's leadership, the UCC grew in influence. Later in the year, Tyson would collaborate with esteemed personalities such as Jackie Robinson, Dr. Roscoe C. Brown Jr., J. Bruce Llewellyn, Robert J. Mangum, and future New York Mayor David Dinkins to establish "One Hundred Black Men Inc." This organization is still active today and continues to serve to elevate and empower social and economic role models, while also fostering opportunities for minority communities.

From 1970 to 1971, Tyson was a teaching fellow at the Harvard Institute of Politics.

In 1978, Tyson became the public and community affairs official at City College of New York. He was responsible for developing and implementing the university's community relations program. During this time he was also a transportation official at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

Personal life
He married Sunchita Maria Tyson in 1952. She was a gerontologist for the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare, and of Puerto Rican descent. They had three children together: astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, college professor Stephen Joseph Tyson, and Lynn Antipas Tyson, who worked in investor relations.

Death
Tyson died in 2016 at his home in North Salem, New York. He was 89 years old. His son Neil described him as an "Athlete, Educator, Civil Rights Activist, Public Servant".