George Livingston facts for kids

George Livingston (born around 1933 – died January 7, 2012) was an American politician. He made history as the first elected African American Mayor of Richmond, California. He served as mayor from 1985 to 1993. First, the city council chose him as mayor in 1985. Then, he won an election in 1989 to serve a full term.

George Livingston's Life Story

Growing Up and Education

George Livingston was born and grew up in the countryside of Oklahoma. In 1952, his family moved to Richmond, California. Many family members found jobs in the East Bay shipyards there.

Livingston finished high school at Berkeley High School in Berkeley, California. He later earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Antioch University. This university had a branch in nearby San Francisco at the time. Livingston shared that he became interested in politics in the early 1960s. This happened after he heard Martin Luther King Jr. speak at Contra Costa College.

Before his political career, Livingston had several jobs. He worked at a paper factory in Richmond. He also worked at the Mare Island Naval Shipyard. For most of his career outside of politics, he worked for the Pacific Gas and Electric Company. He was in their department that handles rules and regulations.

Starting a Political Career

Before joining local government, Livingston was active in his neighborhood and church groups. He cared about his community.

Livingston was first chosen for the Richmond City Council in 1965. He was the second African American person ever elected to the council. The first was George Carroll. Livingston served three terms in a row, starting in 1965. He then left office for a short time. In 1973, he was elected to the city council again. He stayed on the council until he became mayor in 1985.

Serving as Mayor of Richmond

The job of mayor in Richmond used to rotate among city council members. But in 1981, people started voting for the mayor directly. Thomas Corcoran was the first mayor elected by the people.

Richmond Mayor Tom Corcoran passed away in 1985 while still in office. According to the city's rules, the city council had to pick someone to finish his term. They chose Livingston, who was already a member of the council. Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia explained why they picked Livingston. He said, "They thought George would be the best person to unite the council and the communities in Richmond." Gioia added, "If you look at his legacy, he really worked hard at trying to find common ground among City Council members."

In 1989, Livingston decided to run for a full term as mayor. He won the election that year. This made him Richmond's first elected African American mayor. As mayor, Livingston helped with important projects. He oversaw the building of the city's 23rd Street overpass. He also started the early plans to improve the Port of Richmond. Livingston worked to bring new offices and businesses to Richmond. These included a U.S. Social Security office and a U.S. Postal Service mail center. He also helped bring the Hilltop shopping center to the city.

In 1993, Livingston ran for re-election but lost to Rosemary Corbin.

George Livingston passed away on January 7, 2012, at the age of 78. He died from problems related to diabetes at Doctors Hospital in San Pablo, California. He was survived by his wife, Eunice Livingston, his daughter, Grace Livingston-Nunley, and his son, George Jr. U.S. Representative George Miller called Livingston "a leader and also a coalition builder." He said, "He was able to work across the entire community. His goal was the development and growth of Richmond."