Billy McKinney (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Billy McKinney
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McKinney in a 1976 article
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| Member of the Georgia House of Representatives from the 51st district |
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| In office January 11, 1993 – January 13, 2003 |
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| Preceded by | Thurbert Baker |
| Succeeded by | Nan Grogan Orrock |
| Member of the Georgia House of Representatives from the 35th district |
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| In office January 1973 – January 11, 1993 |
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| Succeeded by | Tom Cauthorn |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
James Edward McKinney
February 23, 1927 Abbeville, Georgia, U.S. |
| Died | July 15, 2010 (aged 83) Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Leola Christion |
| Alma mater | Clark College |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1945–1946 |
James Edward "Billy" McKinney (February 23, 1927 – July 15, 2010) was an American politician from the state of Georgia. He was a member of the Democratic Party. McKinney served in the Georgia House of Representatives for 30 years, from 1973 until 2003. He was also the father of Cynthia McKinney, who was a congresswoman from Georgia.
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Early Life and Military Service
Billy McKinney was born in Abbeville, Georgia, in 1927. His mother, Ann Turner Lewis, was a jazz singer. He went to Booker T. Washington High School. Later, he attended Clark College, which is a historically black college.
McKinney served in the United States Army and was recognized for his service. After his military time, he helped to integrate the Atlanta Police Department. This means he worked to allow African Americans to join the police force. He also led efforts for the Afro-American Police League.
During a train trip back to Georgia after his military service, McKinney faced a difficult situation. He was reportedly arrested in Florence, South Carolina. This happened because he or someone with him drank from a segregated water fountain. At that time, many public places in the U.S. had separate facilities for different races.
Political Career and Key Issues
Billy McKinney was a Democrat in the Georgia House of Representatives. He served there from 1973 until 2003. In 2008, he joined the Green Party.
In 1970, McKinney tried to become a member of the Fulton County Commission. He did not win that election.
Before he was elected to office in 1972, McKinney took legal action. He challenged Georgia's system of funding public schools using property taxes. He argued that this system was unfair and went against the Equal Protection Clause. This part of the U.S. Constitution says that all people should be treated equally under the law.
Laws and Public Safety
In 1974, McKinney successfully supported a bill. This bill made it a serious crime to carry a gun without a license. He believed this was important for public safety. In 1975, he also spoke about gun control. He thought that instead of just controlling guns, there should be tougher punishments for crimes involving guns. He also felt that police should focus more on these types of crimes.
Equal Rights and Other Campaigns
In 1976, McKinney planned to re-introduce the Equal Rights Amendment. This amendment aimed to guarantee equal legal rights for all American citizens regardless of sex. However, other female lawmakers asked him not to, as it had failed before.
In 1981, he helped lead the campaign for Sidney Marcus to become Mayor of Atlanta. Marcus was a well-known Jewish leader. His opponent was Andrew Young, a famous African-American politician. McKinney's choice to support Marcus was a notable political decision.
In 1982, McKinney ran as an independent candidate for a congressional district in Georgia. He did not win this election. During his campaign, he spoke against the Reagan administration. He said that their policies were not helpful for ordinary people or those in need. He also introduced a bill that would let individual counties decide to allow betting on dog or horse racing.
Death and Legacy
Billy McKinney passed away on July 15, 2010. He was 83 years old. He died at his home in southwest Atlanta after a long illness. His wife, Leola, and friends were with him.
A part of Interstate 285 in Georgia is named in his honor. It is called the "James E. "Billy" McKinney Highway." This section is located between I-20 in northwest Atlanta and I-75 near Cumberland Mall.
