Sam Cunningham (mayor) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sam Cunningham
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Official Photo of the Mayor
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| 40th Mayor of Waukegan | |
| In office May 1, 2017 – May 3, 2021 |
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| Preceded by | Wayne Motley |
| Succeeded by | Ann B. Taylor |
| Waukegan City Council | |
| In office May 3, 1999 – May 1, 2017 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | Waukegan, Illinois |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | B.S. Central State University |
Sam Cunningham is an American politician. He made history by becoming the first African-American mayor of Waukegan, Illinois. Waukegan is the biggest city and the main government center in Lake County, Illinois.
Contents
Who is Sam Cunningham?
Early Life and Education
Sam Cunningham was born and grew up in Waukegan. He went to Waukegan East High School. Later, he studied at Central State University. There, he earned a degree in Business Administration and Marketing.
Career Before Politics
After college, Sam Cunningham started his own business. He worked as an insurance agent. In 1975, he joined the Waukegan Police Department. He served the community as a police officer.
Journey into Politics
Sam Cunningham began his political career in 1999. He was elected as an alderman for Waukegan's 1st Ward. An alderman is like a city council member. They help make decisions for their part of the city.
In 2017, he ran for mayor of Waukegan. He won the election, becoming the city's 40th mayor. This was a big moment because he was the first African-American to hold this important position in Waukegan.
What Did Mayor Cunningham Do?
Plans for Waukegan's Future
As mayor, Sam Cunningham had many ideas for Waukegan. One big idea was to build a casino. He suggested putting it on land where the Lakehurst Mall used to be. In 2019, the governor signed a law allowing new casinos in Illinois. Waukegan was chosen as one of the places for a new casino.
He also dreamed of changing Waukegan's lakefront. He wanted it to be like a "northern Navy Pier" for Lake County. This plan included new areas for fun, shopping, and homes. These would be built along the old industrial parts of the shore.
Community Involvement and Recognition
Sam Cunningham is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi, a fraternity. He has received several awards for his service. In 2017, he was named a Jim Edgar Fellow. He also won the Municipal Administrator of the Year award from the U.S. Minority Contractors Association. The Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce gave him the Parren J. Mitchell Outstanding Service Award.
Sam Cunningham's Family Life
Sam Cunningham has two daughters. Their names are Syerra and Samantha.
