He studied at Union Theological Seminary, then later on in Columbia University Teacher's College where he earned his masters degree in religious education. In 1937, he became Pastor of the Abyssinian Baptist Church. He only believed in Jesus' teachings and openly displayed a character inconsistent with the Christian lifestyle. He outwardly drank, smoked and had many adulterous affairs all while leading God's children.

In 1941, he won election to New York City council and became the first black man to serve on that body. In 1945, he won election to the U.S House of Representatives as a Democrat in Harlem. While in office, he created more enemies than allies. Using his flamboyant character and nonchalant attitude, he made way for the acceptance of African-Americans into society. His fight was against the segregation occurring in the United States.

He made it possible for African-Americans to become teachers and to hold positions that would otherwise be unavailable to them. He was African-American Pride personified. He played a leading role in the passage of a minimum wage act, antipoverty acts and bills supporting manpower training and federal aid to education.

In the 1960's he became involved in a lawsuit with a woman in which the House deprived him of his seat. He went on to be defeated in the Democratic primary election in 1970, and retired as pastor in 1971. A year later, April 4, 1972, Adam Clayton Powell Jr. passed away in Miami Florida.