Bill Campbell (mayor) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bill Campbell
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Campbell in 2012
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| 57th Mayor of Atlanta | |
| In office January 1994 – January 7, 2002 |
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| Preceded by | Maynard Jackson |
| Succeeded by | Shirley Franklin |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
William Craig Campbell
1953 (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 1953) is an American politician. He served as the 57th Mayor of Atlanta, Georgia. His time as mayor was from January 1994 to January 2002. He was the third African-American mayor in Atlanta's history.
Contents
Early Life and School
Bill Campbell was born in 1953. On September 8, 1960, he made history. At age seven, he enrolled in Murphey Elementary School. This was in Raleigh, North Carolina. He became the first black student to attend an all-white school there.
His family prepared him for this important step. They told him he had to be strong. Campbell was the only one of his siblings approved to enter. His teacher and classmates accepted him. However, some parents and older students were not happy. He faced bullying and his parents received threats. Campbell remained the only black student at Murphey for five years. He later graduated from William G. Enloe High School.
University Education
After high school, Campbell continued his education. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Vanderbilt University. Later, he received a law degree (J.D.) from Duke University Law School. He is also a member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity.
Becoming Mayor of Atlanta
Bill Campbell was supported by the outgoing mayor, Maynard Jackson. He won the 1993 election to become mayor. During his first term, he achieved many important goals. He improved the city's money department. He also helped pass a plan to pay for upgrades. These upgrades were for the 1996 Summer Olympics.
Campbell worked to rebuild public housing. He also updated the city's legal, public works, and water departments. Crime rates in Atlanta went down a lot while he was mayor. People saw him as a new kind of leader. They believed he could help Atlanta grow and connect with all voters.
Challenges in the Second Term
Campbell won re-election in 1997. He defeated Marvin S. Arrington, Sr., who was president of the Atlanta City Council. The 1997 election had some racial tensions. Campbell was later criticized for how he handled some issues. He was succeeded by Shirley Franklin as mayor. After his time as mayor, he moved to Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. There, he worked as a lawyer.
Atlanta Empowerment Zone
In November 1994, the Atlanta Empowerment Zone began. This was a 10-year program. It aimed to help Atlanta's 34 poorest neighborhoods. Reports from government departments found problems. They pointed out issues like waste and poor management.
Focus on Richard Jewell
During the Atlanta Olympics, there was a bombing. It was reported that Mayor Campbell wanted the FBI to quickly find someone responsible. This was to help the Olympics continue normally. This effort contributed to the false targeting of Richard Jewell. Jewell was the person who discovered the bomb.
Images for kids
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Campbell in 2012
See also
- Atlanta Empowerment Zone
