Isaiah McKinnon facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Isaiah McKinnon
McKinnon in 2016
Deputy Mayor of Detroit
In office 2013–2016
Chief of the Detroit Police Department
In office 1993–1998
Preceded by	Stanley Knox
Succeeded by	Benny Napoleon
Personal details
Born	June 21, 1943 Montgomery, Alabama, U.S.
Alma mater	University of Detroit Mercy Michigan State University
Occupation	police officer; politician; academic
Military service
Allegiance	United States
Branch/service	United States Air Force
Years of service	1961–1965
Battles/wars	Vietnam War

Isaiah "Ike" McKinnon (born June 21, 1943) is an American who has had an amazing career as a police officer, a politician, and a professor. He served in the Detroit Police Department for many years and became the Chief of Police from 1993 to 1998.

McKinnon was one of the first African American officers on the Detroit police force. He later became the deputy mayor of Detroit, a role where he helped the city's main leader. He also taught at the University of Detroit Mercy.

During his time as an officer, McKinnon faced a very dangerous situation. In 1967, some of his own fellow officers who were racist attacked him. This serious incident showed the challenges he faced and was reported in news stories around the world.

Early Life and Education

Isaiah McKinnon was born on June 21, 1943, in Montgomery, Alabama. His father, Cota, was a carpenter. He also played as a catcher in the Negro league baseball leagues. His mother, Lula, was a housewife.

When McKinnon was 14 years old, he was treated unfairly by police officers. He said this experience made him want to become a police officer himself. He hoped to change the system from the inside and make it better for everyone.

From 1961 to 1965, McKinnon served in the United States Air Force. He also served overseas in the Philippines and Vietnam.

McKinnon believed in the power of education. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Detroit. He then got a master's degree in criminal justice from Mercy College of Detroit. Later, he earned a doctorate, the highest university degree, from Michigan State University.

Career as a Leader

Serving on the Police Force

McKinnon first joined the Detroit police department in 1965 and worked there until 1984. He returned to the force to serve as the chief of police from 1993 to 1998.

As an African American officer, McKinnon often experienced racism from some of his white coworkers. Despite these challenges, he became a role model. His picture was even used on posters to encourage more people from minority groups to join the police.

He started new programs to help the community. For example, he helped teach officers basic Spanish so they could communicate better with Hispanic Americans. He also helped create a gun buy-back program, where people could turn in guns to the police to make the city safer.

A Frightening Attack

During the 1967 Detroit riot, the city was very tense. One night, McKinnon was driving home in his police uniform after a long 18-hour shift. He was stopped by other white police officers.

Even though he told them he was an officer, they threatened him. One officer pointed a gun at him and used a hateful racial slur, saying he was going to die that night. The officer fired his gun but missed. McKinnon managed to drive away and escape. He reported what happened, but no one was held responsible for the attack.

Deputy Mayor of Detroit

In 2013, Detroit's mayor, Mike Duggan, chose McKinnon to be his deputy mayor. In this role, McKinnon helped the mayor with community projects. He also supported placing the Homeless Jesus statue in Detroit, which shows Jesus as a person experiencing homelessness.

Teaching and Security Work

McKinnon was also a professor at the University of Detroit Mercy, where he taught education. He took a break from teaching to serve as deputy mayor. Earlier in his career, he also worked as a security guard for Detroit's mayor, Jerome Cavanagh.

Personal Life

McKinnon was raised as a Baptist. He later converted to Catholicism after he got married.