Chasity Wells-Armstrong facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Chasity Wells-Armstrong
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| Village Manager of Maywood, Illinois | |
| In office June 8, 2021 – June 3, 2022 |
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| Preceded by | Willie Norfleet Jr. |
| Mayor of Kankakee, Illinois | |
| In office May 1, 2017 – May 3, 2021 |
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| Preceded by | Nina Epstein |
| Succeeded by | Chris Curtis |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1971/1972 (age 53–54) |
| Political party | Democratic |
Chasity Wells-Armstrong (born around 1971 or 1972) is an American politician. She made history as the first African-American person to serve as mayor of Kankakee, Illinois. Kankakee is the main city in Kankakee County.
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About Chasity Wells-Armstrong
Early Life and Education
Chasity Wells-Armstrong grew up in Kankakee, Illinois. She worked hard in school. She earned an associate degree from Kankakee Community College. Later, she went on to get both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from Governors State University.
Community Work and Early Career
After finishing her studies, Wells-Armstrong dedicated her time to public service. She worked for Bill Foster, who is a Democratic Congressman from Illinois. She was his deputy district director.
She also helped her community in other ways. She was the vice president for the Harbor House Domestic Violence Shelter board. This organization helps people who need a safe place. She also led the education committee for the Kankakee County Branch of the NAACP. The NAACP is a group that works for civil rights and equality.
Becoming a City Leader
In May 2015, Chasity Wells-Armstrong was elected to the Kankakee City Council. She represented the city's 5th ward. This was her first step into local government.
Mayor of Kankakee
On April 4, 2017, Wells-Armstrong ran for mayor of Kankakee. She won the election, defeating the current mayor, Nina Epstein. Nina Epstein was the city's first female mayor. Chasity Wells-Armstrong was sworn in as mayor on May 1, 2017. She became the first African-American mayor of Kankakee. She was also the first Democratic mayor since 1993.
During her time as mayor, she worked on important projects. She helped secure over $14 million in funding for the city during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also started plans to improve the Kankakee River area. Her term as mayor ended on May 3, 2021.
Village Manager of Maywood
After her time as mayor, Chasity Wells-Armstrong continued her career in public service. On June 8, 2021, she was chosen to be the village manager of Maywood, Illinois. She served in this role until June 3, 2022.
