Cyril King facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cyril King
|
|
|---|---|
| 2nd Governor of the United States Virgin Islands | |
| In office January 6, 1975 – January 2, 1978 |
|
| Lieutenant | Juan Francisco Luis |
| Preceded by | Melvin H. Evans |
| Succeeded by | Juan Francisco Luis |
| In office February 12, 1969 – July 1, 1969 Acting |
|
| Preceded by | Ralph Paiewonsky |
| Succeeded by | Melvin H. Evans |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Cyril Emanuel King
April 7, 1921 Frederiksted, U.S. Virgin Islands |
| Died | January 2, 1978 (aged 56) Charlotte Amalie, U.S. Virgin Islands |
| Political party | Democratic (Before 1968) Independent Citizens Movement (1968–1978) |
| Spouse |
Agnes Schuster
(m. 1946) |
| Children | 1 daughter, Lillia |
| Education | American University (BA) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Army |
| Unit | 873rd Port Company |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
Cyril Emanuel King (born April 7, 1921 – died January 2, 1978) was an important American politician. He served as the second elected Governor of the United States Virgin Islands. He was governor from 1975 until he passed away in 1978. Before that, he was also an acting governor for a short time in 1969.
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Cyril King's Early Life
Cyril King was born in Frederiksted. This town is on the island of Saint Croix. He grew up there during his younger years.
During World War II, he served in the United States Army. He was part of the 873rd Port Company in Hawaii.
After his military service, he went to American University. There, he earned a degree in public administration. This degree helped him learn how to manage government services.
Political Career Highlights
Cyril King started his political career in 1949. He worked for Hubert Humphrey, a senator from Minnesota. King was the first Black person to be a staff member in the U.S. Senate.
He worked hard and moved up in Senator Humphrey's office. Eventually, he became the chief of staff. This meant he was in charge of the senator's office and staff.
In 1951, King returned to the Virgin Islands. He was appointed as a government secretary by John F. Kennedy.
Running for Governor
Cyril King wanted to become governor of the Virgin Islands. To help with his election campaign, he started a new political group. This group was called the Independent Citizens Movement. He created it to challenge the existing Democratic Party in the Virgin Islands.
He first ran for governor in 1970, but he did not win that election. However, he tried again in 1974. This time, he won and became the second elected governor of the Virgin Islands.
He served as governor until his death in 1978. At that time, he was planning to run for a second term.
Cyril King's Legacy
Cyril King is remembered in the Virgin Islands. A special law sets aside April 7 as Cyril Emmanuel King Day. This day is his birthday.
In 1984, an important airport was renamed in his honor. The Harry S. Truman Airport on St. Thomas became the Cyril E. King Airport. This was done by the Virgin Islands Legislature.
