Bernard Kincaid facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Bernard Kincaid
26th Mayor of Birmingham
In office 1999–2007
Preceded by	Richard Arrington Jr.
Succeeded by	Larry Langford
Personal details
Born	(1945-06-05) June 5, 1945 (age 80) Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
Spouse	Alfreda Harris ​ (m. 1972)​
Children	1
Education	Miles College (BA) Miami University (MA) University of Alabama (PhD) Birmingham School of Law (JD)
Military service
Allegiance	United States
Branch/service	United States Air Force
Years of service	1962–1965
Battles/wars	Vietnam War

Bernard Kincaid was born on June 5, 1945. He is an American politician. He served as the mayor of Birmingham, Alabama. He was elected mayor in 1999. In 2007, he ran for re-election but did not win. Larry Langford became the next mayor after him.

Bernard Kincaid: A Leader for Birmingham

Early Life and School

Bernard Kincaid grew up in Pratt City, Alabama. His father worked as a coal miner. Bernard started his political journey early. He was elected president of his fifth-grade class. Later, he was also president of the student government at Miles College.

He finished high school in 1962. He then earned his first college degree from Miles College in 1970. He continued his studies, getting a master's degree from Miami University in 1971. He also earned a Ph.D. from the University of Alabama in 1980. Later, he studied law and received a law degree from the Birmingham School of Law in 1994. Bernard Kincaid also served in the United States Air Force from 1962 to 1966. He left the Air Force with an honorable discharge.

His Career and Public Service

Bernard Kincaid has held many important jobs. He worked as a youth counselor for the Social Security Administration. He also worked as an educational consultant. For many years, he was an assistant professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He also helped the Dean of the School of Health Related Professions there.

From 1996 to 1997, he worked for Miles College. He was also active in his local community. He was the vice-president and then president of the Ensley Highlands Neighborhood Association. He also served as vice-president of the Five Points West community in Birmingham.

In 1997, he was elected to the Birmingham City Council. He represented District 8. Just two years later, in 1999, he ran for mayor. He won the election against William A. Bell. This made him the mayor of Birmingham. As mayor, he worked to improve the city. He was also part of the Alabama group at the 2000 Democratic National Convention. This is a big meeting where political parties choose their candidate for president.

Bernard Kincaid is also a member of the Metropolitan C.M.E. Church in Ensley. He sings in the church's gospel choir. He is also a member of the American Legion and the Alabama Education Association.

He has served on the boards of many different groups. These include:

• The Birmingham Sister City Commission
• The Miles College Alumni Association
• The Omega Psi Phi fraternity
• The Sigma Pi Phi fraternity
• The Jefferson County Progressive Democratic Council
• The Sigma Kappa Delta law association
• Glenwood Mental Health Services foundation
• The Birmingham Urban League
• The Pratt-Ensley Kiwanis Club
• The Birmingham Partnership

Because he was mayor, he also held positions on other important boards. These included:

• The Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex
• The Birmingham Racing Commission
• The Metropolitan Planning Organization
• The Jefferson County Mayors Association
• The Alabama Conference of Black Mayors
• The U.S. Conference of Black Mayors

Personal Life

Bernard Kincaid lives in Ensley. He married Alfreda Harris on New Year's Eve in 1972. They have one daughter named Amy.