Bill Campbell (mayor) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Bill Campbell
Campbell in 2012
55th Mayor of Atlanta
In office January 1994 – January 7, 2002
Preceded by	Maynard Jackson
Succeeded by	Shirley Franklin
Personal details
Born	William Craig Campbell 1953/1954 (age 71–72) Raleigh, North Carolina, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Parents	Ralph Campbell Sr. June Kay Campbell
Relatives	Willie Otey Kay (grandmother)
Alma mater	Vanderbilt University (BA) Duke University (JD)

William Craig Campbell, born in 1953 or 1954, is an American politician. He served as the 55th Mayor of Atlanta, Georgia, from January 1994 to January 2002. He was the third African-American mayor in Atlanta's history. After his time in office, he faced some legal challenges.

Early Life and Education

Breaking Barriers in School

On September 8, 1960, Bill Campbell started Murphey Elementary School in Raleigh, North Carolina. He was seven years old. This was a big moment because he became the first Black student to attend an all-white school in Raleigh City Schools.

Campbell later remembered how his family prepared him. They told him, "This is important, and you’re going to have to do it. You’re going to have to endure it." His parents also tried to enroll his older brother, Ralph, and his older sister, but only Bill was approved to attend.

His teacher and classmates welcomed him. However, some parents of other students were not happy about his presence. Some older students bullied him, and his parents even received threats. Bill Campbell was the only Black student at Murphey for five years. He later graduated from William G. Enloe High School.

College and Law School

After high school, Campbell continued his education. He earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree from Vanderbilt University. Later, he received a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Duke University Law School. A J.D. degree is what you get to become a lawyer. He is also a member of Omega Psi Phi, which is a fraternity.

Mayor of Atlanta

First Term Achievements

Bill Campbell was strongly supported by the outgoing mayor, Maynard Jackson. He won the 1993 election to become mayor. During his first term, he achieved many important things for Atlanta.

He improved the city's finance department. He also helped pass a major plan to fund improvements for the city's buildings and roads. These improvements were important for the 1996 Summer Olympics that Atlanta hosted. Campbell also worked to rebuild the public housing system. He updated the city's legal, public works, and water departments. During his time as mayor, violent crime rates in Atlanta also went down a lot.

Many people saw Campbell as a new kind of Black politician. He was expected to help Atlanta's economy grow and connect with white voters. Some even thought he might become a U.S. senator or the governor of Georgia.

Second Term and Beyond

Campbell won his second term as mayor, defeating Marvin S. Arrington, Sr.. The 1997 election was notable for discussions about race within the African-American community.

After his time as mayor, Bill Campbell moved to Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. There, he worked as a lawyer. However, he later faced legal challenges and was no longer able to practice law.

Images for kids

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  Campbell in 2012