Jim Singleton facts for kids

James Milton Singleton was born in 1931 in Hazlehurst, Mississippi. He is an important leader in a political group in New Orleans called BOLD. BOLD stands for the Black Organization for Leadership Development. Mr. Singleton also served on the Louisiana Gaming Control Board. This board helps manage gambling activities in Louisiana. He was chosen for this role by Xavier University of Louisiana president Norman Francis and appointed by Governor Bobby Jindal.

Mr. Singleton's Work in Politics

Joining the New Orleans City Council

In 1975, James Singleton became a candidate for the New Orleans City Council. This council helps run the city of New Orleans. He and another person, Abraham Lincoln Davis, were considered to represent District B. Mr. Davis was chosen for the position.

However, in 1977, Mr. Singleton ran against Mr. Davis for the same council seat. This time, Mr. Singleton won the election.

Later Years on the Council

Mr. Singleton's last election to the City Council was in 1998. He and another politician, Eddie Sapir, won against Republican councilwoman Peggy Wilson.

Mr. Singleton served on the council until 2002. After that, he ran for mayor but did not win. The person who won, Ray Nagin, asked Mr. Singleton for help. Mr. Nagin knew that Mr. Singleton was very good at managing money for the city.

Mr. Singleton and his friends in BOLD, including BOLD co-founder Ken Carter and his daughter Karen Carter Peterson, often disagreed with former mayor Marc Morial.

Political Differences and Alliances

BOLD's Stance Against Certain Groups

After Marc Morial left office, Mr. Singleton and BOLD often opposed a group called the New Orleans Progressive Democrats. This group supported William J. Jefferson and his political friends.

BOLD's main goal is to help the African-American community. Because of this, BOLD sometimes supported white candidates. They did this when they believed it would be best for the African-American community. For example, Mr. Singleton and BOLD sometimes supported white candidates like Stacy Head and Helena Moreno. They did this when the other choice was Mr. Jefferson or someone from the Progressive Democrats.

Working with Republicans

Mr. Singleton also had good relationships with some Republicans. One of these was Governor Jindal, who appointed Mr. Singleton to the Gaming Control Board. Another was U.S. Representative Joseph Cao. In 2008, Mr. Cao won against Mr. Jefferson in an election for Congress. The area Mr. Singleton represented on the Gaming Control Board was the same as Mr. Cao's congressional district, which is Louisiana's 2nd congressional district.

Mr. Singleton's Family Life

Mr. Singleton is a member of the NAACP and the National Urban League. These are important organizations that work for civil rights and equality. He is married to Allie Mae Y. Singleton. Jim and Allie Singleton have two children and two grandchildren.