James Perkins Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Perkins Jr.
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Perkins in 2004
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| Mayor of Selma, Alabama | |
| In office 2000–2008 |
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| Preceded by | Joseph Smitherman |
| In office 2020–present |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 1952 or 1953 |
| Education | Bachelor's degree in Mathematics |
| Alma mater | Alabama A&M University, Auburn University at Montgomery |
| Occupation | Businessman, Pastor, Educator |
James Perkins Jr. was born in 1952 or 1953. He is an American politician. He is currently the mayor of Selma, Alabama. He made history as the first African American mayor of the city.
He first won an election in 2000. He served two terms as mayor. After a break, he won again in 2020. He is now serving his third term.
Growing Up in Selma
James Perkins Jr. grew up in Selma, Alabama. His mother was a nurse. His father was an elementary school principal.
He graduated from Selma High School in 1971. This was a special year. His class was the first to be racially integrated at the school. This meant students of all races attended together.
His Education and Work
Perkins studied mathematics in college. He earned a bachelor's degree from Alabama A&M University. He also took business classes. He studied at Auburn University at Montgomery.
He has worked in several fields. He is a businessman. He is also a pastor. He has taught math and computer science. He taught these subjects at Selma University. In 2015, he became the main pastor of Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church in Selma. He took over from F. D. Reese.
Becoming Selma's Mayor
After working as a computer consultant, Perkins returned to Selma. He helped with a political campaign in 1980. He later ran for mayor himself. He ran against the long-time mayor, Joe Smitherman.
Perkins ran for mayor in 1992 and 1996. He finally won in September 2000. He won in a special second election called a runoff election. This made him Selma's first African American mayor. In 2008, he was chosen to lead the National Conference of Black Mayors.
Serving Selma
Perkins served two terms as mayor. In 2008, he ran for re-election but lost. George Evans won that election. Evans was Selma's first African American City Council president.
Perkins ran for mayor again in 2016. He lost to State Representative Darrio Melton. In 2020, Perkins ran once more. He won in a runoff election against Miah Jackson. This allowed him to serve his third term as mayor.
See also
