Kenny Alexander facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kenneth Cooper Alexander
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| 167th Mayor of Norfolk, Virginia | |
| Assumed office July 1, 2016 |
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| Preceded by | Paul D. Fraim |
| Member of the Virginia Senate from the 5th district |
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| In office September 17, 2012 – June 30, 2016 |
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| Preceded by | Yvonne B. Miller |
| Succeeded by | Lionell Spruill |
| Member of the Virginia House of Delegates from the 89th district |
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| In office August 2002 – September 17, 2012 |
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| Preceded by | Jerrauld Jones |
| Succeeded by | Daun Sessoms Hester |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Kenneth Cooper Alexander
October 17, 1966 Norfolk, Virginia, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Donna Burnley |
| Children | Kenneth, II and David |
| Residences | Norfolk, Virginia, U.S. |
| Alma mater | John Tyler Community College, Old Dominion University, Norwich University, Antioch University |
| Profession | Chancellor (education), Educator and Entrepreneur |
Kenneth Cooper Alexander was born on October 17, 1966. He is an American politician who has been the mayor of Norfolk, Virginia since July 2016.
Besides being mayor, Alexander is also in charge of twenty career colleges. These schools help students learn skills for jobs. For example, Centura College teaches healthcare and business. The Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) trains people to work on airplanes. Tidewater Tech teaches welding and car repair. These schools even started a program to train people to work on wind turbines.
Alexander also works as the president of Metropolitan Funeral Services.
He grew up in Norfolk, Virginia. Before becoming mayor, he served in the Virginia House of Delegates from 2002 to 2012. He then served in the Senate of Virginia from 2012 to 2016. In these roles, he represented parts of Norfolk and Chesapeake.
Alexander has written articles for newspapers and given talks about politics. He also wrote a book called Persistence: Evelyn Butts and the African American Quest for Full Citizenship and Self-Determination.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Kenneth Alexander was born in 1966. He grew up in the neighborhoods of Berkley and South Norfolk. These areas are located where the cities of Norfolk and Chesapeake meet.
He went to Lake Taylor High School. There, he was the drum major for the marching band. He also helped lead the student body. He graduated from high school in 1985.
College Studies
After high school, Alexander continued his education. He earned an associate degree in Mortuary Science. This degree is about preparing bodies for funerals. He got this degree from Brightpoint Community College.
He then earned a bachelor's degree in Political Science from Old Dominion University. Later, he completed a master's degree in Diplomacy from Norwich University. In 2019, Alexander earned a PhD in Leadership and Change from Antioch University.
Political Career
Before entering politics, Alexander taught political science. He was an instructor at Tidewater Community College.
Starting in the House of Delegates
In May 2002, the governor of Virginia, Mark Warner, appointed the current representative for the 89th District, Jerrauld Jones, to a new job. This created an open seat. Alexander won the Democratic Party's nomination for this seat.
He then won a special election on August 6, 2002. He received 72% of the votes. He was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates.
Moving to the State Senate
Alexander ran for re-election several times and won easily. On December 15, 2008, he was chosen to lead the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus.
On September 4, 2012, Alexander was elected to the Senate of Virginia. He won a special election for the 5th Senate District. He took over the seat after Senator Yvonne Miller passed away.
Becoming Mayor of Norfolk
On May 3, 2016, Kenneth Alexander was elected mayor of Norfolk, Virginia. He won with 51.6% of the votes. He became the first African American mayor of the city.
Community Involvement
Alexander has been very active in his community. He served as President of the Beacon Light Civic League. He was also the vice-chair of Norfolk's Planning Commission. He helped found a credit union that provides affordable financial services.
He also played a key role in developing new homes in Berkley. He helped bring a major supermarket to a new shopping center. These efforts helped improve the community.
