Kurt Schmoke facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kurt Schmoke
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Schmoke in 2023
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| 47th Mayor of Baltimore | |
| In office December 7, 1987 – December 7, 1999 |
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| Preceded by | Clarence Burns |
| Succeeded by | Martin O'Malley |
| State's Attorney of Baltimore | |
| In office 1983–1987 |
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| Preceded by | William Swisher |
| Succeeded by | Stuart O. Simms |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Kurt Lidell Schmoke
December 1, 1949 Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Patricia Locks |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | Yale University (BA) Balliol College, Oxford Harvard University (JD) |
Kurt Lidell Schmoke, born on December 1, 1949, is an American politician and lawyer. He served as the 47th mayor of Baltimore, Maryland, from 1987 to 1999. He was the first African American to be elected to this important role. Later, he became the dean of the Howard University School of Law. In 2014, he was named president of the University of Baltimore.
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Kurt Schmoke's Early Life and Education
Kurt Schmoke grew up in Baltimore. His father, Murray Schmoke, was a chemist for the US Army. His mother, Irene B. Reid, worked as a social worker. Kurt went to public schools in Baltimore.
High School Years
Schmoke attended Baltimore City College, a very old high school in the United States. He graduated in 1967. Kurt was great at both football and lacrosse. He was a star quarterback for the City Knights. He led his team to two undefeated seasons. They won championships in 1965 and 1966.
As a student, Schmoke was part of a special program. This program prepared him for college. It included advanced studies like Latin. He was elected president of his school's student government. He also helped young people in the Baltimore community. He tutored and mentored young men. This was through a group called the Lancers Boys Club.
College and University Studies
Schmoke started at Yale College in 1967. He played quarterback on the freshman football team. In 1968, he played in a famous college football game. Yale and Harvard tied 29-29 in a game between unbeaten teams. While at Yale, Schmoke and his friends started a day care center. It was for the children of university workers. The center was named after Calvin Hill, a famous Yale football player.
In 1970, Schmoke helped calm tensions at Yale. There were protests on campus. Students were worried and confused. Schmoke, a student leader, spoke to the faculty. He asked them for guidance. His words helped prevent widespread unrest. The university made classes optional. This helped reduce the tension.
After Yale, Schmoke studied social anthropology. He was a Rhodes Scholar at Balliol College, Oxford. He then graduated from Harvard Law School in 1976. In 1996, the NCAA honored Schmoke. He received a Silver Anniversary Award. This award recognizes former student-athletes.
Kurt Schmoke's Career Journey
After law school, Schmoke worked at a law firm in Baltimore. In 1977, he joined the White House staff. He worked in the Department of Transportation. This was during the Carter Administration. After a year, he returned to Baltimore. He became an Assistant United States Attorney. He held this job from 1978 to 1981.
Entering Elected Office
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In 1982, Schmoke ran for his first elected office. He ran for Baltimore City State's Attorney. He won against the person already in office. His campaign was energetic and focused on the community.
On November 3, 1987, he was elected mayor of Baltimore.
Mayor of Baltimore
As mayor, Schmoke started many programs. These programs focused on housing, education, and public health. They also helped with economic development.
In 1992, President George H. W. Bush gave him an award. It was the National Literacy Award. This was for his work to help adults learn to read. In 1994, President Bill Clinton praised Baltimore's programs. These programs improved public housing. They also helped communities grow economically. Baltimore was named one of six "Empowerment Zones." In 1995, Schmoke spoke at the Million Man March. After serving three terms, Schmoke decided not to run again in 1999.
Supporting School Choice
In 1999, Schmoke spoke about school choice. He believes that school choice and vouchers can help improve public education. He thinks they are especially helpful for children in inner cities. He first spoke about this idea in 1996.
Life After Politics
After leaving office in December 1999, Schmoke worked as a lawyer. He joined the firm of Wilmer, Cutler & Pickering in Baltimore. In 2003, he became the dean of the Howard University School of Law in Washington, D.C. In 2004, he was given an honorary title at Balliol College, Oxford. He also serves on the board of Global Rights. He is a member of the Christian and Missionary Alliance.
Schmoke also appeared in two episodes of the TV show The Wire in 2004. He played a small role as a health commissioner. He advised the fictional mayor in the show.
In 2008, Schmoke became the acting senior vice president for academic affairs at Howard University. He continued as dean of the law school. He also taught a class on election law. In 2012, he became vice president and general counsel of Howard University. On May 14, 2014, the University of Baltimore announced that Schmoke would be its new president. In 2017, President Schmoke invited Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos to speak at a graduation ceremony.
In January 2024, Schmoke joined a group buying the Baltimore Orioles baseball team. The group was led by David Rubenstein. Other members included Cal Ripken, Michael Bloomberg, and Grant Hill.
Images for kids
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Schmoke and Curt Anderson in 1982, starting their political careers
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Schmoke in 2015
