Kenneth Cockrel Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kenneth Cockrel Jr.
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Cockrel in 2009
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| 73rd Mayor of Detroit | |
| In office September 19, 2008 – May 11, 2009 |
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| Preceded by | Kwame Kilpatrick |
| Succeeded by | Dave Bing |
| President of the Detroit City Council | |
| Preceded by | Maryann Mahaffey |
| Succeeded by | Monica Conyers |
| In office May 11, 2009 – December 31, 2009 |
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| Preceded by | Monica Conyers |
| Succeeded by | Charles Pugh |
| Member of the Detroit City Council | |
| In office 2009–2013 |
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| In office 1998–2008 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
Kenneth Vern Cockrel Jr.
October 29, 1965 Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Kimberly Cockrel |
| Children | 5 |
| Residences | Detroit, Michigan |
| Alma mater | Wayne State University |
| Profession | Journalist, Politician |
Kenneth Vern Cockrel Jr. (born October 29, 1965) is an American journalist, businessman, and former politician. He served as the 73rd Mayor of Detroit, Michigan. His time as mayor was from September 2008 to May 2009.
A member of the Democratic Party, Cockrel also served on the Detroit City Council. He was a council member from 1997 to 2008, and again from 2009 to 2013. He was also the Council's president from 2005 to 2008, and again from May to December 2009.
On September 17, 2008, Cockrel became the city's temporary mayor. This happened after the previous mayor, Kwame Kilpatrick, resigned. His term officially began on September 19.
In a special election on May 5, 2009, Dave Bing won the race for Mayor of Detroit. Bing was a former Detroit Pistons basketball player and a businessman. He defeated Cockrel with 52% of the votes. On May 11, 2009, Bing became the new mayor. Cockrel then returned to his role as City Council President. He later served as a regular council member until 2013.
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Early Life and Career
Kenneth Cockrel Jr. was born in Detroit, Michigan. His father, Kenneth Cockrel Sr., was also a Detroit city council member and a lawyer. His mother, Carol Cockrel, was a schoolteacher.
Ken Jr. went to St. Florian Church (Hamtramck, Michigan) High School. He then graduated with honors from Wayne State University. After college, he worked as a writer for the Detroit Free Press newspaper.
Starting in Politics
Cockrel began his political career as a commissioner for Wayne County, Michigan. In 1997, he made history by becoming the youngest person ever elected to the Detroit City Council.
He became the council's temporary president in 2001. Then, in 2005, he was chosen as the full Council President. He received more votes than any other candidate in that election. People in the business community saw him as someone who could bring people together. During his first term on the council, he helped pass a rule. This rule made sure the city paid its suppliers within 45 days.
Time as Mayor
As the Council President, Cockrel was next in line to become mayor if the position became empty. This happened when Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick resigned on September 18, 2008. According to the city's rules, Cockrel became the temporary mayor. A special election was then set up to choose a new mayor.
When he became mayor, Cockrel said he would look closely at the city's budget. He also wanted to review a deal with Windsor, Ontario, Canada. This deal was about managing the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel. The original plan would have given Windsor full control of the tunnel. Cockrel thought it would be better for both cities to manage it together. The mayor of Windsor, Eddie Francis, said he was sure they could work well with Cockrel.
As mentioned, Cockrel was defeated by Dave Bing in the special election on May 5, 2009. This election was to finish the rest of the mayor's term. After the votes were counted and Bing took office on May 11, 2009, Cockrel went back to being the City Council President.
After Politics
After leaving the Detroit City Council, Ken Cockrel Jr. continued to work for his community. From January 2014 to June 2015, he was the executive director of a non-profit group called Detroit Future City. This organization works to improve the city.
He also served as the executive director for Habitat for Humanity Detroit. This group helps build homes for families in need. He held this role from January 2016 to August 2018. Since August 2015, he has also run his own consulting business, Ken Cockrel Jr. Consulting, LLC. This company helps businesses with their development and government connections.
Family Life and Interests
Ken Cockrel Jr. is married to Kimberly Cockrel. They have five children together: two sons named Kenneth III and Kyle Vincent, and three daughters named Kennedy Victoria, Kendal Imani, and Kayla Lanette. His stepmother is former councilwoman Sheila Cockrel.
Cockrel enjoys watching science fiction and action films. He even ended his speech when he became mayor with quotes from the movies Terminator 2: Judgment Day and Star Trek.
